HAMLET — Students and educators were recognized for achievement and service during the April Richmond County Schools Board of Education meeting, including winners of the Crime Stoppers poster contest and recipients of Inspiring Excellence Awards.
Assistant Superintendent of Safety and Support Services Melvin Ingram highlighted the success of the student poster contest, which promotes crime prevention awareness and collaboration with law enforcement.
“Through the collaborative efforts of the students and teachers, we were able to put on the poster contest this year and we’re just very proud of what what we got from our school students this year,” said Assistant Superintendent of Safety & Support Services Melvin Ingram. “The poster contest provides students across Richmond County schools an opportunity to visually communicate the importance of crime prevention responsibility and the partnership with law enforcement.”
Ingram noted strong participation from both middle and high school students.
“This year’s contest, we saw strong participation from our middle and high schools show showcasing not only artistic talent, but also thoughtful engagement, positive community values,” Ingram said.
The winners were Carolina Flores, a junior at Richmond Senior High School, who placed first; Aneema Owens, a senior at Richmond Senior High School, who placed second; Lydia Ellerbe, a senior at Richmond Senior High School, who placed third; and Kelby Morrison, an eighth grader at Hamlet Middle School, who received honorable mention.
In addition to student recognition, several staff members were honored with Inspiring Excellence Awards.
Mineral Springs Elementary School Principal Dr. Theresa Gardner recognized media specialist Heather O’Tuel and teacher assistant April Smith.
Gardner praised Smith for her dedication and consistency in supporting students and staff.
“whose quiet strength and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact every single day. She is a kind of teacher assistant who steps in wherever she is needed, often before anyone even has to ask. She’s always ready to help whenever and wherever needed. She brings calm, care, and consistency to every classroom she enters. Her love for students is evident in all that she does.”
She also commended O’Tuel for her flexibility and professionalism in meeting the school’s needs.
“is someone you can always count on to step in wherever she is needed. As well, she’s pulled small groups. She’s helped in classes. She even took on a classroom for several weeks when we needed help in a pinch. She meets every challenge with grace and professionalism.”
Hamlet Middle School Principal Monica Robinson presented awards to custodian Howard Estridge and seventh-grade science and social studies teacher Ralph Butler.
Robinson highlighted Estridge’s impact on the school environment and culture.
“You know, there are people who come to work, and then there are people who become the place—Howard Estridge is Hamlet Middle School. He doesn’t just mop floors—he sets a standard. He doesn’t just empty trash—he makes sure everything around him is worth keeping. Need something done? He’s already on it. And somehow, no matter what you throw at him, he handles it with a smile and ease,” Robinson said about Estridge.
She also recognized Butler’s leadership and connection with students and colleagues.
“As a team leader, Mr. Butler doesn’t just manage, he lives and supports. His colleagues don’t follow him out of obligation. They follow him because he’s always in the trenches, beside them, often before them, ready to work. Students in his classroom are present and engaged, and he knows their names, their stories, and their struggles. He sees the whole child, not just the grade,” Robinson said about Butler.