Crowder Named Forsyth County's Teacher of the Year

Nick Crowder of South Forsyth High School has been named the 2013 Forsyth County Teacher of the Year.

During Friday's 'Celebration of Excellence' event, Crowder was honored for his work as an engineering technology teacher at the school. In front of more than 500 guests including, local educators and government officials, members of the business community, along with family and friends, Crowder said never in his wildest dreams could he imagine being named teacher of the year.

"I began my teaching career in 2001 and to think that I would ever receive a recognition even close to this would of never even crossed my mind."

Prior to joining South Forsyth High School in 2008, Crowder taught at Forsyth Central High School and Vickery Creek Middle School. He is an active member of the community as his volunteer work takes him outside of the classroom. He advises the Technology Student Association where they sponsor at least two community events each year such as food drives, collecting for Toys for Tots and various other non-profits. Crowder who holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s degree from the University of Georgia, is a member of Browns Bridge Church.

"First of all I would like to give Glory to God for an answer to prayer," said Crowder in his acceptance speech. "This was something I prayed about as far as a career that I could find a true meaning and to be more helpful to people and He guided me into teaching."

Crowder also thanked the students at the school.

"I give the credit to the students at South Forsyth for all the hard work that they do and the privilege is all mine to have the job that I have and to work at the school like I do," he said.

See and hear more of what Crowder said in his acceptance speech in the video above.

Courtney Stokes, a second grade teacher at Big Creek Elementary School, received the 2013 Elementary School Teacher of the Year award, and Liz Watterson, a math teacher at South Forsyth Middle School, received the 2013 Middle School Teacher of the Year award.

Thirty-two teachers were also acknowledged as the school level Teachers of the Year for 2013. In addition, Robert Scott was named 2013 Mentor of the Year and Jack Schiff of Rewarding Minds received the 2013 Friend of the Year award. Ali Margelli and Mentor Me, a non-profit organization, were awarded the 2013 Volunteers of the Year award.

The 2013 Silver Program of the Year Award went to Evan Profeta of State Farm Insurance and Ned Colley of Texas Instruments. The 2013 Gold Program of the Year award went to Sawnee EMC and Hnasgrohe, Inc., and the Don Hendricks Partnership Award was given to Siemens, Inc.

The event also recognized Partners in Education, Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, Parent Leaders and the South Forsyth High School Jazz Band.

This year's event was held at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.

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