Overcoming challenges has always been a part of Clifphene Reid’s eight-year career, even as she claimed the title of Hagerty’s Teacher of the Year on Dec. 11. Reid, a ninth and tenth grade English teacher, was nominated last year, and upon her second nomination this year, received the award.
“I am so proud and immensely overjoyed to be chosen by the phenomenal teachers, faculty and personnel at Hagerty,” Reid said. “It’s overwhelming that out of all these great individuals, I won.”
Reid has spent her entire teaching career at Hagerty, and has made a substantial influence on campus life. Reid is not only the sponsor of the Anti-Bullying Club, but planned Challenge Day, a five hour anti-bullying assembly where students confessed their bullying concern issues and stories to help bring an end to bullying and tie students closer together.
“She’s an awesome teacher,” sophomore Erika Rivera said. “She’s funny and just beautiful and so compassionate. I think she’s brilliant for the anti-bullying club and what she’s done is amazing. She definitely deserves [Teacher of the Year].
While the bouquet of flowers and the sash, presented to her in front of faculty and family in the media center on Wednesday was touching for onlookers and Reid herself, Reid says the honor is in coming to class every morning.
“It’s such a pleasure coming to work every day,” Reid said. “I know I am a tough teacher with high standards, but it’s because I expect my kids to excel because I know that if I push them hard, they will succeed. But in the end, I do it all do it because I love them.”