There were ten teachers that were nominated for being the teacher of the year, one from each department. The winner was Shannon McCuistion, the Agriculture teacher.

“I truly devote myself to this career and my students much like other teachers,” McCuistion said. 

“Knowing that I can come to work every day, give everything I have to my students and colleagues, and being able to go home at night knowing that I did everything that I can, that is what motivates me.”

The nominees include Kerri Burgess (performing fine arts), Etienne Illy (visual fine arts), Brandon Slimmer (Social studies), Hannah Hintz (Science), Julie Seeley (English), Marlene Nobles (Math), Branden Melson (Health), Rita Bruton (World languages), and Elizabeth Lockley (Special Education). 

“I don’t believe I have any more or less qualities than any other person on this campus,” McCuistion said. “The only thing that sets me apart from other teachers is what I teach.”

Every teacher “has been doing their best to make this difficult year a successful one.” Although McCuistion won, she believes that everyone deserves to be the teacher of the year, even those who did not get nominated.

“I never in a million years thought I would be the Teacher of the Year at a school of this capacity much less get nominated,” McCuistion said. “I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Denton High School as the Teacher of the Year.”