Whitley County Consolidated Schools congratulates December and January Teacher of the Month and Staff of the Month winners.
Beth Andonian, math teacher at Columbia City High School, was recognized as teacher of the month for December 2024.
"Beth has been teaching for 36 years. She also did her student teaching here, so she has never worked for any other school system. She has taught geometry and took over the calculus program and was one of the first dual credit teachers in the area. She has coaced volleyball, Math and Fine Arts teams, and was Class sponsor for the classes of 1996, 2016, and 2019. She is on the committee for NHS and is in charge of the Eric Reed Memorial Scholarship and The Brody Barker Memorial Scholarship,” said Andonian’s nominator.
Angela Miller, Indian Springs Eighth Grade Office Manager, was recognized as the Staff Member of the Month for December 2024.
"Angela goes above and beyond to make students feel special and important. She’s always a face in the crowd at student activities and events. She’s very involved in the community.
Angie always has a smile on her face and a laugh louder than the gods. She’s constantly putting her colleagues, students and family first. She supports local businesses in the community and even gives new opportunities to those who are just trying to get their foot in the door," said Miller’s nominator.
To begin the new semester, Rachel Daily, Little Turtle Literacy Coach, won Teacher of the Month for January 2025.
“Rachel Daily has been a WCCS teacher for several years. She has taught in multiple grade levels and is currently in the position of coaching our teachers in reading which is helping our students become more successful in their education overall.
My son had Mrs. Daily in 3rd grade. He has struggled with reading since kindergarten and had developed a general feeling of extremely disliking anything to do with school outside of recess with his friends. Mrs. Daily changed that!! She helped him grow tremendously in not only his academic strength, but in his self confidence. She pushed him because she knew his ability, but she did it in a caring and appropriate way. From his exact words, 'Mrs. Daily is the best teacher I have ever had. She taught me in a way that I could understand and actually learn. I loved being in her class and wish all of my teachers were like her.'
I also work with Rachel and can clearly see the passion she has for kids. She works tirelessly to give her students a safe environment to grow and learn in. She is the exact same way in her current position as literacy coach. She is so awesome at being available and eager to help in any way she can. She has put so much work and heart into this new position!! She has gone above and beyond to make this new program a success and to work toward so much growth and success in our building. She is definitely someone you can count on and feel comfortable working with,” said Daily’s nominator.
Jay Wetzel, Columbia City Custodian, was awarded the Staff Member of the Month for January 2025.
“I want to nominate Jay Wetzel for employee of the month. Jay is dedicated to the high school and is always quick to act on any task that is asked of him. Jay cares about our students and staff.”
The winners were awarded a certificate, a floral design from Bravo Floral, and a t-shirt voucher for WCCS swag from Running Around Screen Printing. Thank you, Bravo Floral and Running Around Screen Printing!
WCCS is grateful to our exceptional teachers and staff who serve our community well. Each month, nominations are taken from co-workers, families, and the community and then winners are chosen from a selection committee made up of community members, service organizations, a WCCS School Board member, and WCCS staff.
Each month, we will honor a WCCS teacher and a WCCS staff member who go above and beyond, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and fostering a positive, engaging learning environment. These exemplary educators embody the WCCS values of Eagle P.R.I.D.E. - Persistence, Respectfulness, Initiative, Dependability, and Efficiency.
You can nominate a teacher or staff member at any time using this link or scanning the QR code.
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About Whitley County Consolidated Schools
Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. Serving Columbia City and surrounding communities, WCCS believes in fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and character development. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, our district offers a diverse curriculum, dedicated educators, and state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire and engage every learner. Through partnerships with families and the community, WCCS strives to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. For more information about our schools, programs, and initiatives, visit us at [www.wccsonline.com](https://www.wccsonline.com).
Media Contact
Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent mcdermottla@wccsonline.com
Kennedy Saggars, WCCS Marketing Director saggarskt@wccsonline.com