Six of the Douglas County School System’s most dedicated educators learned Wednesday they are semifinalists for the district’s top teaching honor.

Superintendent Dr. Trent North and other district administrators delivered the news to the teachers in their classrooms during a surprise Prize Patrol visit that included flowers and a personalized mini chalkboard.

The semifinalists are:

High School:
• Jason Cann, Alexander High School
• Antoinette Godfrey, Chapel Hill High School

Middle School:
• Dr. Justin Barlow, Factory Shoals Middle School
• Nicole Kempson, Yeager Middle School

Elementary School:
• Kremena Clayton, Holly Springs Elementary School
• Heather McElroy, Mount Carmel Elementary School

The Teacher of the Year process began in the spring, when all DCSS school campuses named their Teachers of the Year.

School-level TOTYs submitted applications and letters of recommendation, which were scored over the summer by a panel of judges made up of current and former school system employees and community leaders.

The semifinalists will now have classroom observations and interviews with the panel of judges. The District Teacher of the Year will be announced Sept. 17 at Legacy Arena.