Latest news with #TommySmithElementary
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Merritt Brown Middle's Amber Hart praised for leadership
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Merritt Brown Middle School's Amber Hart is close to completing her first year as principal of the school. But when you speak to those around her, you would guess she has been at the helm for decades. One of the many ways Hart has made an immediate impact across the school is by having a positive and contagious attitude. 'She comes in, never a frown on her face, always happy, always smiling, greeting people, laughing and talking, supportive, always asking 'What can I do to help?'' said Merritt Brown Middle School Counselor Karen Parham. 'She doesn't mind rolling up our sleeves, getting dirty.' Hart feels that one of the marks of a great principal is strong leadership. She wants everyone at merritt brown to know that she is behind them all the way. 'I am a lead-from-the-front kind of person,' added Hart. 'I'm never going to ask you to do something that I won't do. I really hope that they feel like I have their back and that I support them.' Kristen Vincent spreads positivity at Tommy Smith Elementary Whether it's students or faculty, Hart makes herself easily accessible and approachable. 'She has an open-door policy,' Parham went on to say. 'She comes in before everyone else, and she leaves after everyone goes home. So there's always an opportunity to speak to her, to talk to her, to share ideas. If someone comes to her and wants to try something, she'll say, 'Let's try it, let's see.' Hart used to teach first grade at Tommy Smith Elementary, and with her now being the principal at Merritt Brown, she gets the chance to work with her former students once again. To Hart herself, it's a true honor to be in the position she is in. 'Coming back here and having the opportunity to influence these children and build the relationships with them,' Hart said. 'To let them know that I care about them and I love them and I believe in them, and I know they're going to do great things.' That is what makes Amber Hart a Class Act. As always, if there is someone who you think is a Class Act, don't wait to nominate them today. All Panhandle school employees are eligible for this award. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kristen Vincent spreads positivity at Tommy Smith Elementary
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Kristen Vincent has nearly completed her 3rd year teaching 2nd grade at Tommy Smith Elementary. Consistently exuding positivity and kindness to all, Vincent knows she has truly found her calling in life and a home. 'I love working at Tommy Smith. It's honestly like working with a family dynamic,' said Vincent. 'Everybody is super supportive and is here to help one another, no matter what, at the drop of a hat. It's just like working at Disneyland every day, honestly. Her co-workers say the reason why the school feels like Disneyland is all thanks to Vincent. 'Kristen really is a shining light at our school,' added Tommy Smith Elementary School Media Specialist Wendy Blundon. 'She's always checking in on everyone. She makes sure everyone is having a good day. She just touches base, she communicates great, and she's just a great person to be around and to work with.' Lynn Haven Elementary counselor brings sunshine and encouragement to all Vincent makes it a point to get on her students' level. Some of the most effective ways to do that is by incorporating interactive activities into her lessons. 'I like to incorporate real-world activities as well as hands-on activities with my teaching, because I feel like if kids are playing, they're learning,' said Vincent. 'You have to meet their needs and where their understanding is because they are kids. So, making learning, engaging, and fun is my number one priority.' All in all, those around Kristen truly love and appreciate working alongside her. 'Kristen is kind, she's compassionate, she is loving and friendly,' added Blundon. 'She's just an all-around great teacher.' That is why Kristen Vincent is a Class Act. If there is someone who you think is a Class Act, don't wait to nominate them today. All Panhandle school employees are eligible for this award. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
