To honor excellence in education, the Lake Lure Classical Academy board of directors and Executive Director Tom Keever recently honored Campobello resident Allyse Searcy as the school’s Teacher of the Year at the board’s August meeting.

Searcy, a K-6 art teacher, earned her bachelor’s in art education with a minor in art history from the University of South Carolina Upstate. A certified K–12 art educator, Searcy was also awarded Outstanding Student Teacher while finishing her degrees.

Searcy was chosen for her work to inspire students from all backgrounds, her support of fellow teachers, recommendations by colleagues and her community involvement, Keever said.

“Allyse is a teacher’s teacher,” the director said. “Her passion is uplifting. She empowers, engages, and ensures her students receive a worthwhile, well-rounded education. We are so lucky to have Allyse on our team. I’m proud to congratulate her on this incredible honor. Myself, the LLCA board and our entire staff thank Allyse for her ongoing commitment to inspire young minds in the Lake Lure community.”

“I was honestly surprised to have been voted by my peers as the Teacher of the Year,” Searcy said. “I’m surrounded by such great teachers at LLCA; their passion for teaching is contagious.

“I immediately fell in love with this scenic area and the people in the Lake Lure community, who our all extremely supportive of our school. The students are top notch, the teachers are caring and passionate about their subjects, and our administrative staff is super supportive of the arts.”

“Ms. Searcy is always happy and excited,” said sixth-grader Logan Edgerton. “She encourages her students to be free with their imaginations. Sometimes she comes up with really creative projects for us. Last year, we had Japan week and created gardens out of sand. It was so relaxing.”

Searcy is also an active member of New Prospect Baptist Church in Inman, and loves volunteering in the church nursery.

– Submitted by Joanne Lynch