Parkway South has named counselor Carly Roach as the 2024 Educator of the Year.
Among her many other duties, Roach is a counselor for students with last names A-Di.
“I feel very honored. South High has so many wonderful teachers, so I feel very special to be recognized. I also feel humbled because as a school counselor, there are always circumstances in which I wish I could do more,” said Roach
Roach’s dedication is felt by all those around her, according to colleague Sara Gerth.
“She really cares about all the students in the building. She wants our community to be a positive place for staff and students,” Gerth said.
Roach works tirelessly to provide a comfortable and positive environment for students and staff, according to Morgan Parker, an administrative assistant in the Counseling Loft.
“She’s like the energizer bunny, she doesn’t stop. She’s constantly making sure everyone is okay. She’s always taking care of her students and all of us here in the loft,” said Parker.
Roach is a great patron for efforts in diversity and inclusion at South, according to Gerth.
“She works her butt off every single day to do the best she can for all students in the building. She’s created several groups for students, like DIA (Diversity in Action) and EIA (Equity in Action), ensuring all students have equal access to the best opportunities possible,” said Gerth.
Roach said the announcement came as a surprise that moved her to tears.
“I was honestly stunned and surprised. I was sitting in my office working with a principal when I heard one of my favorite songs (“Good Day” by Forrest Frank) playing. I turned, and there was my whole family with our administrative staff. I just started crying. It was very special to have them here. It was awesome to share the moment with both my home family and South High family! My other reaction was just to feel very humbled. I know there are so many deserving faculty members in our Counseling Department and throughout the school!” she said.
Roach will now compete against the other building educators of the year, to become the overall Teacher of the Year in the Parkway district.
“I am just feeling PSouthProud!” Roach said.
