2024 Staff Awards

The 2024 Golden Anchor Awardees

Each year we recognize five outstanding educators at Farragut High School with the Golden Anchor Award (GAA) and a $1,000 grant. For 2024 there was a tie for 5th place so the Foundation was able to recognize six educators. To be eligible for a GAA, an educator must dedicate a significant amount of time and effort over and above their regular teaching duties to enhance student learning and development. This year’s awardees are:

Rodney Brown (Fine Arts)

“Mr. Brown has been a welcome and magnificent addition to the band program. He has jumped in and created new opportunities for students. He works such long hours, all for the love of music.”

“Mr. Brown is a champion for everyone in the band program. The kids adore him and we are so lucky to have him at FHS “

“He is happy to be an educator and it shows! He attends many music-related events outside of regular teaching hours, from football games and parades to competitions.”

Kirstine Buchanan (Fine Arts)

“As a first year teacher, Ms. Buchanan has made a huge impact on her students, including me, with her bright energy every single day. She pushed me to do things i never would’ve done by myself and I earned scholarships because of it.”

“She stays way early and way late just to help us with the smallest things. When it comes to maybe having a social problem or scheduling issue, she will be our advocate. She cares for us and now I feel so connected and so do the rest of my classmates, as a family.”

“She brings in guest speakers to educate  her students further on techniques and career opportunities in the musical field. She has taught her students how to properly and accurately sing so far in German, Latin, Hebrew, and Swahili.“

Kenneth Carrico (Fine Arts)

“He’s a dad with young kids and now knows the struggles of wrangling kids, school and life, and does not interfere with his teaching; it has only made him more successful in all things.“

“Mr. Carrico puts a lot of time and effort above and beyond, and he sacrifices time with his family to build and manage the exceptional marching band and concert band program that Farragut is known to have.”

“His band room is a safe space for any and all students looking to find their niche in high school.”

Keely Chamberlain (Social Studies)

“She expects excellence from her students, however she helps them along the way and guides them to this excellence.”

“Ms. Chamberlain is a role model to her colleagues and students, always exhibiting professionalism, manners, and work ethic.”

“She coaches FHS Softball and sponsors FCA. She puts in many hours outside of the school day.”

Val Elton (Agriscience)

“Ms. Elton is sparking a desire to learn, question, and grow in her students and helping to increase their understanding and retainment of science.”

“She is genuinely a light in the universe. She is kind, caring, loving, inclusive, and just makes everyone feel better because she is there!”

“Not only does she give her absolute all for her students in the classroom everyday, but she also runs the greenhouse (spending countless hours watering and caring for the plants),  helps care for the chickens and goats, and attends many FFA meetings, trips and events. ”

Madeleine Kersey (World Languages)

“She taught me numerous helpful study strategies, like using drawing picture hints on my flashcards to help with memory and putting endings we need to memorize to the tune of a song.  I use these tactics in other classes now too.”

“She makes classes, even the boring parts, seem fun and interesting.  Her classes honestly feel more like a community than just a room full of kids because she creates such a safe fun environment.  I wish I could take more of her classes.”

“Along with being the only Latin and Medieval Studies teacher, Ms. Kersey also has a real passion for the things she teaches, which is infectious in the classroom. ”

2024 Binnacle Awardee

The Binnacle Award is awarded to a staff member and is chosen by school administrators. This year’s awardee is Kara Doyle.

"A binnacle is the casing that supports and protects the ship’s compass - these individuals support our teachers the most. Kara’s support for our teachers is exemplary."

~Dr. Bartlett

2024 Tyler Duke Outstanding Educator Awardee

The Tyler Duke Award is given to an outstanding educator for their dedication to the teaching profession and for their positive impact and making a difference in the lives of their students. This award is given in memory of FHS graduate, Tyler Duke. This year’s awardee is Angela Breeding.

“Ms. Breeding spends her off hours grading and creating ideas to benefit her students. She partners and chaperones with many of the clubs at our school such as DECA and the academy ambassadors. She offers up her classroom and herself as a safe space for students to connect and release what's going on in their lives. ”