In 2018 we lost two dearly loved members of our MGCS family, Barbara Nail and Jo Carmon.  Deeply missed by many, these women made a real difference in the lives of our students and in the life of our school.   They lived in a way that reminded us of and pointed us to Jesus.  In Proverbs 27:17 Solomon writes “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  Jo and Barbara helped sharpen all of us, and we are thankful to have known them as colleagues and friends.  Awards were established to honor their exemplary service and the Christ-honoring standards that defined their lives.

THE BARBARA NAIL TEACHER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

After teaching in the public schools for over 30 years, Barbara Nail joined the MGCS staff in 2010 as a first grade teacher.  Throughout her life, Barbara sought to set a spiritual standard for the next generation. Prayer was an integral part of her life. In addition to serving the children at MGCS,  She worked faithfully alongside  her husband Alton to serve children at Long Leaf Baptist Church.  Although she was a seasoned professional with decades of teaching experience, she never stopped striving to hone her craft by seeking out new and more effective methods of teaching.   She deeply cared for her students and regularly called parents to offer encouragement and support.

The Barbara Nail Teacher Award for Excellence in Education is given each year to recognize a PK-8th grade teacher who demonstrates excellence in education and whose service to and concern for students exceeds expectations and extends beyond the classroom.  This teacher motivates and inspires their students to achieve and grow both academically and in their relationship with Christ. The recipient also establishes a partnership with their students’ families that fosters unity and shared goals. The recipient eagerly strives to grow professionally and spiritually, and encourages others to do so.

THE JO CARMON TEACHER ASSISTANT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Jo Carmon served tirelessly in our 3-year-old preschool class for 19 years.  Our staff remembers her as “the Child Whisperer” because of the calming effect she had on children. Jo was also known to slip out to pray with parents who seemed troubled. Jo greeted each day at MGCS asking “how can I help?” Everyone around Jo benefited from her talent and gentle spirit. Jo was a member of 5th Avenue Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang  in the choir, and worked alongside her husband who is the Pastor. For 19 years, our staff, students and parents benefited from her Godly wisdom, dedication to prayer, and unfailing kindness.  The Jo Carmon Teacher Assistant Award for Excellence in Education  is given each year to recognize a PK-8th grade Teacher Assistant  who demonstrates excellence in education and whose service to and concern for students exceeds expectations and extends beyond the classroom. This teacher assistant supports their assigned teacher, and motivates and inspires their students to achieve and grow both academically and in their relationship with Christ. The recipient also establishes a partnership with their assigned teachers and students’ families that fosters unity and shared goals. The recipient eagerly strives to grow professionally and spiritually, and encourages others to do so.

Current MGCS Parents are encouraged to honor the memory and service of these women by nominating a current MGCS teacher or assistant who meets these high ideals by May 17th.  Check your email for a link to the nomination form or call the front desk.  We are happy to re-send the link.