Amanda Hanegan

Meridian Public Schools chose Amanda Hanegan to be its Teacher of the Year. The math teacher at Meridian High School was surprised by the news Friday.

Hanegan is in her 17th year teaching algebra, geometry and calculus. She says she's honored.

"Totally unexpected," said Hanegan. "A few weeks ago, I found out I was the High School Teacher of the Year (for MHS). That was such an honor with so many fine teachers in our district. But (I'm) just completely surprised, overwhelmed."

Hanegan will represent Meridian Public Schools in the state Teacher of the Year competition later this year, hosted by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Each school in the district named its own Teacher of the Year:

Crestwood Elementary: Kristen Barnes, 5th grade Math and Science

T.J. Harris Elementary: Carla Desmond, 4th grade Language Arts

Oakland Heights Elementary: Dena Patterson, 5th grade Math

Parkview Elementary: Bettie Davis, 1st grade

Poplar Springs Elementary: Beth Lang, Kindergarten

West Hills Elementary: Sharon Henry, 3rd grade

Carver Middle: Tashna Carter, 8th grade Learning Strategies-Reading
Magnolia Middle: Amy Grady, 8th grade Science

Northwest Middle: Ravene Mitchell, 8th grade Language Arts

Meridian High: Amanda Hanegan, Math

Ross Collins Career and Technical: Hope Webb, Health Science