Congratulations to Connie Burgess for being named Teacher of the Year for Southampton County Public Schools.

A pre-kindergarten teacher at Riverdale Elementary School, Burgess was chosen by her peers, who can often be one’s toughest critics.

An educator for more than 30 years, Burgess really seems to enjoy her work, which helped her earn the honor. In addition to working for the school district, she for 10 years has taught education courses at Paul D. Camp Community College.

Now that’s someone who’s dedicated to education: In the classroom all day teaching young students and returning to the classroom to teach students who want to be educators.

The Teacher of the Year is chosen among the top teachers from each of the schools in the district.

Melinda Lee was Teacher of the Year at Capron Elementary, Mary Winningham at Meherrin Elementary, Angela Deskins at Nottoway Elementary, Stephen Edwards at Southampton Middle School and Annetta Moore at Southampton High.

Congratulations to all for their efforts on behalf of our children.