Release, Berkeley County School District:

Melissa Williams, a 4th grade teacher at St. Stephen Elementary, was named the first Rookie Teacher of the Year at the PRIDE Celebration held at Cypress Gardens.

Melissa was selected from an impressive group of rookie teachers who were nominated by their principals.  She received a cash award and several prizes from sponsoring businesses.

Finalists for the award also include Kathleen Roland, H. E. Bonner Elementary and Keith Godlewski, Timberland High.