TCHS TEACHER WINS STATEWIDE AWARD

Sonya May, an Abraham Baldwin College alumna who currently teaches economics, civics, and honors civics at the Northeast Campus of Tift County High School (TCHS), is living proof that students in learning support classes can overcome their academic hardships and achieve success in their educational and career endeavors.

May has done just that. In honor of her accomplishments, she recently received the Outstanding Alumnus of a Learning Support Program Award. The award, which recognizes a graduate of a learning support program who has distinguished himself/herself in other areas of life, was presented at the University System of Georgia’s 27^th Annual Learning Support Conference, co-sponsored by the Georgia Association for Developmental Education.

May first enrolled at ABAC in the fall of 1991 in a learning support (formerly called developmental studies) math class. By working hard in her learning support courses, May was able to overcome her difficulty in mathematics. After graduating from ABAC in 1993, she continued her education at Valdosta State University where she earned a B.S. degree in secondary education and an M.A. degree in history. In addition to teaching at TCHS, May has also taught part-time at ABAC.

May is currently pursuing the Specialist in Leadership degree, a six-year degree for teachers interested in becoming a member of a school’s administration. She is also taking classes for gifted endorsement.

May said the fact that she was a learning support student helps her appreciate that all subjects do not come easily to students.

“It is common and normal for students to have a weak area,” May said. “Having trouble in one area does not mean they are failures and will never receive a college degree. I encourage my students to seek help from their teachers, not to hide their weakness, and to be aggressive toward the subjects they lack confidence in. I know they can overcome their weaknesses. It is just a matter of how much they want to do it.”

Stephanie Holcombe, associate professor of mathematics at ABAC, was one of several former professors who nominated May for the Outstanding Alumnus of a Learning Support Program Award.

“I first met Sonya in 1989 at Tift County High School where I taught her in an algebra class,” Holcombe said. “Because of a learning disability in mathematics, learning the subject did not come easily for her, but Sonya worked very hard in my class. I also had the pleasure of teaching Sonya in mathematics learning support classes at ABAC. She worked very hard to learn algebra and to improve her mathematics skills because she wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree so that she could become a teacher.

“Sonya has succeeded in the classroom and in life. She is highly respected as a teacher by her students and her supervisors. Because Sonya worked very hard to overcome her learning disability in mathematics with the help of learning support classes at ABAC, she has been able to become an inspiration to many students.”

Renee’ B. Bridges, Assistant Principal at the Northeast Campus of TCHS, also nominated May for the award.

“Her zeal for teaching economics and citizenship is apparent in her approach to life,” Bridges said. “She does not feel she is merely conveying knowledge to her students, but she is attempting to arouse the same quest for and appreciation of economics and citizenship that she possesses.”

May said she was touched when Holcombe contacted her about nominating her for the Outstanding Alumnus Award.

“I was touched that she thought about me after so many years and honored that she believed I deserved this award,” May said. “Ms. Holcombe provided the guidance and instruction I needed to succeed in my weakest subject. She never became frustrated or doubted that I would achieve my goal. I gained confidence from her attitude that if I worked hard enough, I would not fail. I adopt the same attitude with my students.”

As a teacher, May is most proud when her students let her know that she has touched their lives in a positive way.

“The impact I have on students by interacting with them in the classroom is amazing,” May said. “I realize that they are listening to what I have to say and that they understand that I care about them and love what I do. I want to encourage my students to seek the most out of life and to convey to them the impact a good education can have on their lives. For many, an education will open the door to opportunities they only dreamed possible. It is my job to plant the seed that such a life is within reach.”

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