After taking a break during the holiday breaks in December, DeKalb County High School resumed its monthly recognition of teacher, student, and parents or guardians of the month. Honorees of the January awards were presented with a certificate and a gift card from the Lipstick Pig in Smithville.

Lesa Hayes was honored as January’s Teacher of the Month. A 27-year veteran in the teaching profession, began her teaching career in Wilson County for a private company that trained adults for re-entry into the workforce. She later worked at DeKalb West School for 13 years, then moved to DeKalb Middle School where she taught for five years. At DCHS, Hayes teaches Teaching as a Profession, Family Studies, and Human Studies.

“I am excited and I am shocked,” Hayes said. “This is my third year here at DCHS. I have grown to love this school and love the kids here. I just feel humbled that I was chosen as Teacher of the Month.”

Hayes says she plans to continue teaching at least another seven more years before considering retirement.

The Parent/Guardian of the Month is Kristen Lynch, who was selected based on an essay written by her son, Jeremiah Elswick, a senior at DCHS.

“Jeremiah is an extraordinary young man,” said DCHS Assistant Principal Thomas Cagle. “He is always sending emails and messages to his teachers checking on us making sure we are doing okay so we have returned the favor checking on him all the time. He is one of our office aids. He is a very quiet young man but a very caring and loving young man and we are very fortunate to have him in our school. I wish I had a whole bunch more Jeremiahs in the school.”

“I am honored,” Lynch said. “Really, it’s touching. I didn’t expect it. He (Jeremiah) didn’t tell me he was doing it, so it was kind of a shock. They just pulled me out of class and said get next door. I am very touched.”

Lynch is also a teacher, working at DeKalb Middle School for four years as a special education math intervention teacher.

DCHS Freshman Christina Youngblood was named January’s Student of the Month. The daughter of Wade and Tonya Youngblood of Dowelltown, Christina said she is a big fan of auto racing and plans to become a nurse.

“I am very honored to be Student of the Month,” Youngblood said. “I didn’t think this would happen, but I actually am excited and I feel so honored.”

Teachers can nominate a student for the honor and all teachers vote on the students nominated. Teachers are voted on by the administration, while the Parent of the Month award is determined by student essays. Students can write an essay each month and nominate their parent for a chance to win.