NASHVILLE – One thing is certain.

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools and the community believe in the importance of lifting up the school system’s teachers and principals who make a difference in the lives of children everyday.

That spotlight of gratitude shined on select employees of the Nash-Rocky Mount school system Tuesday at an annual celebration at the Rose Hill Conference Center where school officials recognized the crème of the crop for the 2012-13 school year.

Approximately 160 individuals attended the event, which served to honor the 2012-13 Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year – two coveted titles earned by a peer nomination and advancement through a rigorous selection process.

Englewood Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Kristen Tedford was named the 2012-13 Teacher of the Year, and Rocky Mount High School Principal Leon Farrow took home the title of 2012-13 Principal of the Year.

“I am completely humbled and honored that my colleagues and community value my efforts with my students,” Tedford said. “I hope that I can model my love for teaching and be a support system for my colleagues – to let them know with that vision we can accomplish anything.”

Tedford, a national board certified teacher, has 14 years of teaching experience and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the State University of New York at Oneonta. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education from East Carolina University, and is pursuing her certification in school administration from East Carolina.

In addition to a new laptop and $1,000 stipend for classroom supplies, Tedford received the keys to a brand new 2013 Honda CR-V EX, courtesy of Davenport Auto Park.

Tedford will drive the vehicle for the duration of the school year.

Farrow thanked his peers for having the confidence to nominate him as a candidate for the title of Principal of the Year.

“I certainly hope my efforts and the work that I try to put in here at Nash-Rocky Mount schools has not gone unnoticed, and it has not been in a selfish manner,” Farrow said. “Everything I’ve done has hopefully been for the benefit of children. I believe we are in the best business in the world – and that is education.”

As Principal of the Year, Farrow received a $500 and a personal laptop from Hospira.

“As a school system, we are extremely fortunate to have dedicated professionals of (the teachers’ and principals’) caliber supporting and facilitating the educational journey for our students,” Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson. “(They) are a key ingredient to our success, and we are proud of all of (them).”