Jefferson’s of Winchester is pleased to announce that Jessica Mayes has been named the first-ever Jefferson’s Winchester Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Mayes teaches kindergarten at Decherd Elementary School, and has been teaching for three years.
Mrs. Mayes was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by students and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Teachers’ Day–today, May 6–aims to recognize one of Winchester’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Mrs. Mayes as the Winchester Teacher of the Year for her advocacy, and her great determination to make sure no child is left behind.
“Mrs. Mayes’ nominators spoke of how she steps in to fill the gaps time and time again,” said Sean McCooey, President of Double Dip Franchise Group. “When she sees students being bullied, she steps in. When she sees children on the bubble of repeating a grade, she single-handedly provides the extra resources they need so they’re prepared to move on to the next grade. We’re honored to recognize Mrs. Mayes for her dedication and her contribution to the Winchester community.”
Mrs. Mayes will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and her achievement will be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.
“I have always dreamed of becoming a teacher,” Mayes said in a statement. “One day during bus duty, a student who has never been in my classroom approached me for a big hug and said, ‘Even when I’m in sixth grade, I will still remember you. I love you.’ Moments like these, along with the love from my students who express how much they enjoy being in my class, continually inspire me. It’s these connections that remind me of the impact we have on our students.”
This year is the pilot run for the Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year award, launched as a sister program to Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award, which runs in the fall. The teachers’ initiative was open to teachers working with students of any age, and candidates could be nominated by students, parents and guardians of students, school officials, or other community members.
If you’d like to congratulate Mrs. Mayes or share a story about her as a teacher, please do so by commenting on her winner announcement post on Facebook and Instagram.
