Savannah public schools hold inaugural Excellence in Education Gala for Teacher of the Year
Joseph Schwartzburt
- The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) held its inaugural Excellence in Education Gala, combining the Teacher of the Year recognition with Principal of the Year and Instructional Support Person of the Year.
- Jennifer Hughes, a fifth grade teacher from Southwest Elementary School, was named the 2026 SCCPSS Teacher of the Year.
- Jabari Hymon, a school resource officer from Windsor Forest High School, received the 2026 Instructional Support Person of the Year award.
- Alfred McGuire, principal of Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School, was honored as the 2024-25 SCCPSS Principal of the Year.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) expanded its annual Teacher of the Year Gala to establish its inaugural Excellence in Education Gala.
The change came about because the school district decided to combine additional educator recognitions that were previously held separately into one event. The added recognitions were Principal of the Year and Instructional Support Person of the Year.
The finalists in each category represented 56 SCCPSS schools and programs during the initial nomination period earlier this year. Finalists and semi-finalists were also honored at the Gala. Five finalists for 2026 District Teacher of the Year and five finalists for the 2026 Instructional Support Person of the Year underwent a review and interview process over the past few months before Thursday's awards gala.
For the first time, SCCPSS also acknowledged a Principal of the Year. Earlier this year, the district had selected three finalists, one from each grade level (elementary, middle and high school), for the principal award.
WJCL News Anchor Shannon Royster once again emceed the gala held at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, 2 West Bay Street.
Here are the big winners.
SCCPSS 2026 Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Hughes, fifth grade teacher from Southwest Elementary School,
"After graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Colorado, Ms. Hughes was accepted into their Urban Community Teacher Education program where she would complete the requirements for her teacher licensure, as well as earn her Master of Arts in Special Education, later completing a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in culturally and linguistically diverse education," SCCPSS provided in a written statement. "In 2022, Hughes and her family relocated to Georgia where she currently works at Southwest Elementary School teaching fifth grade language arts and social studies."
Her fellow finalists included:
- Jameson T. Meadows of Godley Station K-8 School
- Christy Lynes of May Howard Elementary School
- Kaleena Jedinak of Tybee Island Maritime Academy
- Brooklyn Howard of Windsor Forest High School
SCCPSS 2026 Instructional Support Person of the Year
Jabari Hymon, school resource officer from Windsor Forest High School
"Officer Hymon is recognized for his unwavering dedication to student safety, mentorship, and community service," SCCPSS provided in a written statement. "As a School Resource Officer with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Jabari has made a profound impact on creating a safe and supportive environment for students. His commitment to student well-being and his ability to build meaningful relationships with young people have been key to his success. Recently promoted to Investigative Officer, Jabari continues to ensure the safety and success of all students, going above and beyond in his role."
His fellow finalists included:
- Qunnie Parker of Georgetown K-8 School (Paraprofessional)
- Monique Singleton of Bishop Gilbert Haven Elementary School (Administrative Secretary)
- Robbie Lindsey School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High School (Administrative Secretary)
- Raessha Stanley of Savannah Chatham E-Learning Academy (Social Worker)
SCCPSS 2024-25 Principal of the Year
Alfred McGuire, principal of Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School
"Mr. McGuire is a native of Lithonia, Georgia and matriculated to Savannah State University where he earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree in History," SCCPSS provided in a written statement. "McGuire later enrolled at Armstrong State University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education, then later graduated from Mercer University with an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership (K-12). He began his career in the field of education with Educational Talent Search (ETS) where he created a mentoring program from male students enrolled in the federal outreach program designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to prepare them for post-secondary education. Mr. McGuire has served as Principal of Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School for more than a decade, and has led the school to numerous awards and accolades including US News and World Report Top High School in America and a Model School."
The other two finalists for Principal of the Year were:
- Kimberly Dozier of Garden City Elementary School
- Yvette Wells of Rice Creek Elementary School
What's next for winners?
Hughes will now go on to lead the Superintendent’s Professional Senate for Savannah-Chatham educators. She and Hymon will also provide input from staff at board of education meetings during the 2025-2026 school year. Hughes will also have the symbolic Flag of Learning and Liberty raised over her school in the fall.
While Hymon's and McGuire's awards are district-level honors, the Teacher of the Year winner will become the SCCPSS representative for the Georgia State Teacher of the Year program.
Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@gannett.com andJoeInTheKnow_SMN on Instagram.