By Tanna M. Friday, For The Tribune
LEEDS — During the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, the Leeds City Schools Superintendent, John Moore, announced Mary Beth Lochridge as the 2022 Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year.
Moore read aloud the Teacher of the Year nomination:
“I can think of no one more deserving of this award than [Mary Beth Lochridge],” he read. “She has, without a doubt, been a light in my child’s life this year. I have a child that always needs to be pushed, that needs to be challenged, but also need to be loved. Mary Beth is all of these things.”
“…Not only does she invest in her students, she invests in their families too, and I think that’s something that’s so important to be able to truly understand your students, their actions, and their well-being. I have never met a teacher more engaged with the student’s whole family like Mary Beth. It truly does give you that sense of “we’re all in this together.”
Lochridge is a first-grade teacher at Leeds Primary School and has served in the system for the last two years after teaching for five years for Birmingham City Schools. She grew up in the Leeds area and moved back to Leeds with her husband.
“I was on a hunt for joy, and one of the things on my list was to apply for Teach for America,” Lochridge said. “I was placed in inner-city Birmingham City Schools for four years, and during COVID, there was an opportunity to apply for Leeds Primary. As soon as I saw the job application, I applied, and it all worked out so perfectly.
“Being a part of Leeds City Schools is one of the greatest treasures of my life. I truly believe that the schools are the heartbeat of this community, and I am proud to be a part of the system. I have so much joy just walking into the building, my rooms make me happy, and I love this community.”
Lochridge received a $500 check and a Teacher of the Year trophy.
The Chamber is a strong supporter of education and each year recognizes a teacher from the Leeds City Schools who exceeds expectations in serving the schools and students. The nominations were accepted from May 3 to May 11 and were received by the Leeds community through letters submitted to Chamber.