By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Ted Foster, Hays Middle School social science teacher, was nominated by HMS student Eli Rohr for the April USD 489 staff Best of the Best Award.

“I nominated Mr. Foster for Best of the Best because he is always an encouraging teacher,” Rohr said, “and he is really there for you when you need him.”

Rohr said Foster encouraged him to go out for track and now track is one of his favorite sports.

“When you need to just sit there and talk to someone, he will be there,” Rohr said.

He said he comes in before or after school to talk to Foster, and they share notes on “The Flash.”

“He helps a bunch of students,” Rohr said. “He knows what teaching they need and how to get to them. … He is a really good teacher. He doesn’t put anybody aside. He helps everyone who needs the help.”

Savannah Clingan

Savannah Clingan, Wilson student, was nominated for the Best of the Best Award by Leslie Karlin, Wilson fifth-grade teacher.

Karlin described Clingan as an outstanding student leader.

“As a member of our Wilson role models, she serves her fellow students and the school community,” Karlin said. “Some responsibilities she has carried out in an exceptional manner are greeting students at the front door, monitoring the hallway, cleaning up playground equipment and organizing the school’s lost and found.

“In addition to serving others, she is kind, she is respectful, and she is very diligent in her school work. She also helps her classmates by encouraging them to follow the rules and by helping students who may be struggling with an assignment. She continuously demonstrates concern for others, and she finds ways to make a difference.”