Fayette County Public Schools proudly announces that Ray Mullins, an esteemed music educator at LaGrange-Moscow Elementary School (LMES), has been honored as the PreK-4 Teacher of the Year at both the school and district levels for the 2024-2025 academic year.
With nearly two decades of experience in music education, Mullins has made a lasting impact on students in both public and private schools across urban and rural settings. He brings his passion for music and learning to PreK-5 students at LMES, where he uses creative and engaging methods to inspire young learners.
A Passion for Teaching and Music
Mullins' journey into education began on what he describes as a “dare” from a wise mentor. That challenge turned into a lifelong dedication to teaching, as he quickly fell in love with sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation.
“I love using my class to change and better students' moods,” Mullins shared. “I use ‘play’ to not only teach musical skills but to creatively turn a bad day into a good one.”
Mullins holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Memphis’ Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and a Master of Arts in Education from Union University. In 2013, he completed his Orff Schulwerk Certification, further enriching his ability to engage students in hands-on, movement-based music education.
A Leader in Music Education
Beyond the classroom, Mullins has authored and arranged multiple works in Celtic music, including Celtic Crossings and Celtic Crossings II, which adapt traditional Irish melodies for Orff-based music instruction. He has presented workshops across Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Utah, sharing his expertise with fellow educators.
Mullins and his wife, Linzie—also an accomplished Orff music teacher—have dedicated themselves not only to music but also to family and community. As former foster parents and now adoptive parents of two sons, they are passionate about using music as a tool for healing and growth. His classroom integrates trauma-informed strategies, helping students navigate challenges while developing musical and personal skills.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Mullins' recognition as FCPS PreK-4 Teacher of the Year is a testament to his commitment to education, creativity, and the well-being of his students. His contributions extend beyond the school walls, influencing local and national music education communities.
As Plato once said, “I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly MUSIC, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” Ray Mullins embodies this philosophy, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Fayette County Public Schools proudly recognizes Hannah Jo Whitefoot as the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year for Lagrange-Moscow Elementary School. A dedicated 5th-grade English teacher, Whitefoot’s passion for education and student engagement has made a lasting impact on her classroom and school community.
Whitefoot, who has been with FCPS for six years, originally set out to become a physical education teacher. However, during an internship in a kindergarten classroom while in high school, she discovered a deep love for the classroom setting, leading her to pursue a career in education.
She earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Williams Baptist University and later completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership at Austin Peay State University.
For Whitefoot, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is the daily interaction with her students. She cherishes the opportunity to build relationships, create a positive learning environment, and share moments of laughter with her class.
“I love that every day I can go into the classroom and be able to laugh with my students. Building relationships with them brings me joy,” Whitefoot shared. Her success in the classroom is supported by the encouragement of her family and fellow educators, who have played a crucial role in her journey.
Fayette County Public Schools congratulates Hannah Jo Whitefoot on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her dedication to educating and inspiring young minds.
Fayette County Public Schools proudly recognizes Kelley Romero, a dedicated Pre-K teacher at Oakland Elementary School, as the OES 2024-2025 PreK-4 Grade Teacher of the Year. With 22 years of experience in education and three years at FCPS, Romero’s passion and commitment to early childhood learning have earned her this prestigious honor.
Romero holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Memphis and a Master of Arts in Education from Cumberland University. She believes education is one of the most powerful ways to improve lives. “For me, having the opportunity to meet children as they enter school for the first time and to help foster a love of learning is the most rewarding job there is,” she shared.
As a Pre-K teacher, Romero is dedicated to helping her students transition from uncertainty to confidence in the classroom. “Often, my little friends come to me having no experience in the classroom and feeling overwhelmed,” she said. “I love to watch them grow over the school year and become confident learners and kind friends to each other! My goal is to send them into the next year as self-assured, caring kindergarteners.”
Beyond the classroom, Romero enjoys traveling and recently took a memorable trip to Scotland. She is married to her husband, Mark, and is a proud mother of two adult children, Ryan and Rickey.
Fayette County Public Schools congratulates Kelley Romero on this well-deserved achievement and thanks her for her invaluable contributions to education and the lives of her students.
Fayette County Public Schools proudly recognize Lisa Starnes as the 2024-2025 Grades 5-8 Teacher of the Year for Oakland Elementary School. A dedicated educator with a deep passion for student success, Starnes has been an integral part of FCPS for ten years, teaching 5th-grade math and science with enthusiasm and innovation.
From an early age, Starnes knew she wanted to be a teacher. “I have always enjoyed sharing my knowledge and helping others, but I also love learning from my peers and adapting to new ideas,” she shared. Her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is evident in her teaching approach, where she strives to make complex concepts engaging and accessible to all students.
Starnes holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis. Her expertise and dedication to instructional excellence have made a lasting impact on the students she serves.
For Starnes, the most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing the moment students truly understand a new concept. “Seeing the light come on in students—knowing that I was able to reach them and provide them with skills they will use for the rest of their lives—makes this profession so fulfilling,” she said.
Beyond the classroom, Starnes enjoys cheering on the Memphis Tigers and the Memphis Grizzlies and attending games with her family whenever possible. She has been married for 17 years and is the proud mother of one child, with a second on the way, and a loving aunt to her nephew. Looking to the future, Starnes aspires to expand her impact by mentoring fellow educators and taking on leadership roles within the school system.
Fayette County Public Schools is honored to celebrate Lisa Starnes for her outstanding contributions to education and her unwavering dedication to student success. Her passion for teaching and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of the FCPS family.
Fayette County Public Schools proudly announces Samantha Rogers as Southwest Elementary School’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. This distinguished honor recognizes her unwavering dedication to education, her passion for fostering student success, and her commitment to shaping young minds.
Ms. Rogers is a second-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Southwest Elementary. She has been serving in her current position for seven years, bringing energy, creativity, and a deep love for learning into her classroom every day. Throughout her career, she has inspired students to grow academically and personally, ensuring they develop the skills and confidence needed for future success.
A native of Crockett County in central West Tennessee, Ms. Rogers pursued her education at Jackson State Community College, earning an Associate’s degree, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis. Her passion for teaching stems from a desire to share her love of learning with students while making a positive impact on their lives and the community.
When asked about her favorite part of teaching, Ms. Rogers shared that she cherishes the opportunity to serve students, their families, and her colleagues daily. Witnessing students smile, grow, and reach their goals keeps her motivated. She takes pride in being a positive spark in her students’ lives, creating a classroom environment where they feel supported and encouraged to achieve greatness. Looking ahead, Ms. Rogers envisions herself supporting the education field beyond the classroom. She hopes to mentor and guide incoming teachers, helping them navigate the profession and build successful careers in education.
Fayette County Public Schools commends Samantha Rogers for her dedication, passion, and impact on the students and staff of Southwest Elementary. The district is honored to have such an inspiring educator as part of the FCPS family. Congratulations, Samantha Rogers, on being named Southwest Elementary’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year!
Fayette County Public Schools is excited to honor Nicole Banks, a dedicated 8th-grade U.S. History teacher at East Junior High School, as the 2024-2025 School-Level Teacher of the Year. With over 25 years in education, Banks has been inspiring students to engage with history in meaningful ways.
Banks began her teaching career in 1999 at Somerville Elementary School before moving to East Junior High in 2001, where she has been a cornerstone of the faculty ever since. She earned an Associate of Science from Monroe County Community College in Michigan and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Psychology from Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee. She also holds a Secondary Education (7-12) Certification from Freed-Hardeman.
Her passion for teaching stems from her early involvement in 4-H in Monroe, Michigan, where she discovered a love for educating others through public speaking and state-level demonstrations. Combining her enthusiasm for history with her love of teaching, Banks chose to focus her career on helping students develop a deeper appreciation for the past.
"Most students enter my class thinking they don’t like Social Studies," Banks explained. "But I love seeing them become engaged, start enjoying history, and even pursue careers in teaching because of their experiences in my class."
Education runs in the Banks family. Her husband, Bryan Banks, has been a History teacher at Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School for 26 years. Their son, Jessie, and his wife, Jessica, teach at Whitesburg Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, and have given Nicole and Bryan two granddaughters, Millie and Elizabeth. Their twin sons, Thomas and Jonathan (18), are freshmen at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN, studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Aerospace.
With her unwavering dedication to education, Nicole Banks continues to make a profound impact on her students. Fayette County Public Schools is proud to celebrate her achievements and honor her commitment to shaping young minds.
Fayette County Public Schools proudly recognizes Nikki Scudder, an exceptional West Junior High School educator, as the 2024-2025 School-Level Teacher of the Year. Scudder, who teaches English Language Arts Inclusion to students in grades 6-8, has been in her current role for 12 years and has devoted nine years of service to FCPS.
Scudder holds a Bachelor of Science in Instruction and Curriculum from the University of Memphis and is licensed in Special Education (K-12) and General Education (K-6). With a passion for lifelong learning, she was inspired to become a teacher because she enjoys instilling a love of learning in others.
"Whether it's academic learning, the importance of hobbies and being involved with your community, or mastering new skills—learning should never stop," said Scudder.
For Scudder, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is helping students and their families connect academic learning to real-world concepts. She especially enjoys witnessing her students gain confidence as they improve their reading and math skills, develop social skills, and discover new interests that will benefit them beyond graduation.
Outside the classroom, Scudder is a devoted wife to her husband, Joey, and a loving mother to four children: Tyler, Layla, Mason, and Lilly. She finds peace outdoors and enjoys hiking and kayaking in her free time.
The Fayette County Public Schools community extends its congratulations to Nikki Scudder for her dedication, impact, and unwavering commitment to student success. Her passion for education continues to inspire both students and fellow educators.
Fayette County Public Schools is proud to recognize Paulene Keller, a dedicated Biology teacher at Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School, as the 2024-2025 School-Level Teacher of the Year. Keller teaches 9th and 10th-grade Biology and has been shaping young minds for 9.5 years at Fayette-Ware, with 22 years in education.
Inspired by the creative and impactful teachers she had growing up, Keller was driven to share her knowledge and inspire future generations. She finds the most joy in watching students grow and take pride in applying new knowledge to their lives.
Keller earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University and later pursued a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Memphis. In addition to teaching high school, she has been an adjunct professor at multiple colleges and universities for 22 years.
Alongside her teaching career, Keller has an extensive background in journalism, beginning her work in the field 33 years ago at the Fayette Falcon. Her passion for education and writing has made a lasting impact in the community.
A mother of three, Keller looks forward to traveling, continuing her writing, and teaching as an adjunct in retirement.
Fayette County Public Schools commends Paulene Keller for her dedication to education, passion for science, and contributions to journalism. Her impact in the classroom and beyond is truly commendable.
Fayette County Public Schools proudly acknowledges Rosalyn Nowley, an outstanding English and Gifted Education teacher at Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School, as the 2024-2025 School-Level Teacher of the Year. With 18 years of experience in education, Nowley is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need for academic and career success.
Currently, Nowley teaches 9th-grade English I and High School Gifted Education. She has taught high school English for a decade, specializing in English I for the past 1.5 years, and has served in Fayette County Public Schools for the last five years.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in English from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Education in Reading Literacy from Belhaven University. Committed to professional growth, Nowley plans to begin her second master’s degree in Fall 2025 to pursue a career in counseling.
Her passion for education stems from a desire to help students develop strong reading and comprehension skills, ensuring they are prepared for higher education and the workforce.
"The most fulfilling part of teaching is witnessing that moment when students grasp a challenging concept," Nowley shared. "I also love introducing them to literature by authors they may not have encountered before."
Outside the classroom, Nowley enjoys spending time with her family. She is married to Minister Curtis Nowley and is the proud mother of A'Naiyah, a 2024 Fayette-Ware graduate, and Elijah, a current 10th grader at FWCHS.
Through her dedication to teaching and commitment to student growth, Rosalyn Nowley continues to impact her students and the Fayette-Ware community positively. Fayette County Public Schools is honored to celebrate her achievements and contributions to education.
