Winners of Ruth Henderson Award, Grants Announced

Pictured, from left, are 2021 Ruth Henderson Award winner Brandon Green (Progressive Education Program), $500 grant winner Sara Moore (Pisgah Elementary School), and $500 grant winner Leanne Gosey (Charles D. Owen High School).

By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department

Monday was a day of surprises as BCS honored three teachers who are empowering students to reach their potential.

Representatives from Buncombe County Schools and Buncombe County Schools Foundation (BCSF) joined family members to honor Progressive Education Program (PEP) Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Brandon Green with the 2021 BCS Ruth Henderson Award. The team also surprised Enka District Teacher of the Year Sara Moore (Pisgah Elementary School) and Owen District Teacher of the Year Leanne Gosey (Charles D. Owen High School) with $500 classroom grants.

“Congratulations to all of these wonderful educators,” said BCS Superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin. “Because of your tireless efforts, our students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in a changing world.”

BRANDON GREEN, RUTH HENDERSON AWARD WINNER

The Ruth Henderson Award honors a teacher who embodies the spirit of legendary Erwin High teacher Ruth Henderson, who was a champion for her students in civic society and loved watching them grow.

Mr. Green, who graduated from T.C. Roberson High School and student-taught at PEP, also has a passion for helping his students reach their highest potential. Colleagues describe him as community-minded, generous, and selfless.

“Mr. Green has a true passion to help kids with special needs,” said PEP Principal Melanie Ramsey. “If you want to see someone who loves what they do and does what they love, then come and watch Coach Green teach adaptive P.E. He truly gets into it, and he really deserves this recognition. Our students and staff are lucky to have him.”

SARA MOORE, $500 GRANT WINNER

Each year, BCSF awards two $500 grants to two district teachers of the year. They can be used for anything in the classroom that expands student horizons, said BCSF Director Christy Cheek.

Ms. Moore, who teaches fourth grade at Pisgah Elementary School (PES), received her $500 classroom grant from the Asheville/Buncombe Chapter of the NC Retired School Personnel Organization on behalf of BCSF.

Ms. Moore said she wants to use the grant money to fill her library with books that expose students to the many cultures that make the world a richer place.

“Sara Moore is an outstanding educator that goes above and beyond in any endeavor,” said PES Principal Jeanann Yates. “She has high expectations for her students and always strives to instill the belief that all children can learn. She will stop at nothing to instill that same belief in her students, and she works tirelessly to remove and mitigate barriers. As a result, her students often begin to believe in themselves and their own ability to learn.”

LEANNE GOSEY, $500 GRANT WINNER

Ms. Gosey, an Exceptional Children teacher at Charles D. Owen High School (CDOHS), received a $500 grant from the family of the late Robert Rodney Roberts (in memory) and the BCSF.

“She is such a genuinely dedicated and caring educator,” said CDOHS Principal Meg Turner. “Her student-centered approach creates an environment where students can feel safe to learn regardless of their experience or skill level. Each day she comes to work with a smile on her face and fierce determination. I see her as a deeply committed educator.”

“Ms. Gosey has always been an inspiration to me,” one student said during the award presentation. “She’s always been a nice, caring, amazing teacher. If you have something you’re worried about, or anything you want to tell her, she’s always listening and accepting.”

___
Stay tuned for videos of the award presentations!

DISTRICT

Elementary

Intermediate

Middle

High

Other

Buncombe County Schools