Selma City Schools (SCS) crowned their elementary and secondary teachers of the year on Tuesday morning at a luncheon held at the Bosco Nutrition Center.

Tamecia McCullam Smith was awarded Elementary Teacher of the Year and Veronica Pitts was awarded Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Smith, a third-grade teacher at Edgewood Elementary School, said being named Elementary Teacher of the Year was a humbling experience.

“I don’t look for recognition,” said Smith. “I do what I have to do for the sake of our children.”

Smith, now in her 15^th year as an educator, said she wanted to be a teacher since she was a child, going so far as to teach her dolls.

“I believe all children can learn, but we have to go the extra mile,” said Smith.

Pitts, a history teacher at Selma High School, called being named Secondary Teacher of the Year a “full circle moment.”

“I don’t do it for this [recognition],” said Pitts. “I truly do it for [the students]. I understand where they’re coming from.”

Pitts earlier said she became a teacher because of the positive influence her own teachers had on her when she attended Selma High School.

Both Smith and Pitts will go on to represent Selma City Schools in the Alabama Teacher of the Year competition.

SCS Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams called Tuesday’s luncheon a great occasion.

“When I think about teachers of the year as being such exemplary examples, it just gives my heart joy,” said Williams.

The other teacher of the year candidates included Jennifer Hyche form Clark Elementary School, Vanessa Brown Woodfin from Knox Elementary School, Rita Tarver from Meadowview Elementary School, Cynthia Green from Payne Elementary School, Kendrick Office from R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy, Monica Russell from School of Discovery and Shana Tyson from Sophia P. Kingston Elementary School.