Kelly Patterson Named Classified Employee of the Year for Banks County High School
Mrs. Patterson serves as BCHS Registrar but wears many hats daily. Banks County High School proudly recognizes her as its Classified Employee of the Year. Her dedication, positive attitude, and wealth of experience are invaluable in ensuring the school operates smoothly and efficiently.
Mrs. Patterson began her career in the Banks County School System in 2007 as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Head Start/Pre-K. In 2011, she transitioned to BCHS as a Special Education Paraprofessional before assuming the role of Registrar in 2017. Despite her many years of service, this is her first recognition as Classified Employee of the Year.
Reflecting on her role, she shares, "I enjoy my work. My co-workers are great and easy to work with." Her dedication to her job and the people around her has made her a beloved member of the BCHS team.
Mrs. Patterson’s day is constantly changing. “No two days are alike,” she explains. “Some days, I spend most of the day working at my computer; others, I enroll new students or withdraw someone transferring. In between, I print transcripts or complete education verifications. There is always plenty to keep me busy.”
When asked about the many challenges students face, Mrs. Patterson highlighted the dual nature of technology. "Technology is today's students' biggest obstacle, but it's also a great asset. The challenge is how they will let it impact their lives," she says. “Encourage students to use social media platforms positively and embrace tools that support their education without overly relying on them.
For Mrs. Patterson, BCHS is more than a workplace—it’s a family. “My favorite thing about being a part of BCHS is the family atmosphere. Everyone here has always made me feel like I belong. It just feels like home,” she shares.
Mrs. Patterson advises new educators and staff: “Start each day with a smile on your face and a song in your heart! Let people know you are happy to be part of the BCHS family!” This perspective embodies her optimistic and welcoming spirit.
Outside of school, Mrs. Patterson treasures time with her family. She and her husband, Hoyt Patterson, have been married for 41 years. They moved to Banks County in 1992 from Union County and built a life centered around their four children and 13 grandchildren.
Mrs. Patterson enjoys reading and sewing in her free time, hobbies that allow her to relax and recharge.
Congratulations to Mrs. Kelly Patterson, Banks County High School’s Classified Employee of the Year!
Brittany Brown Named Banks County High School Teacher of the Year
Banks County High School proudly recognizes Mrs. Brittany Brown as the 2024 Teacher of the Year. For the past decade, Mrs. Brown has been a cornerstone of the BCHS faculty, teaching Geometry, Honors Geometry, and AP Precalculus.
Previously recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2019, her passion for teaching and dedication to her students earned her the distinction of being honored again as this year’s Teacher of the Year.
“I love kids, especially teenagers. They are fun, keep me young, and I love building relationships with them. They are why I try to create more engaging lessons, work extra to create activities and think of ways to differentiate,” she explained.
A typical day in Mrs. Brown's classroom begins with coffee (she describes it as essential for her to start her day) and is filled with planned lessons and spontaneous decisions to meet her students' needs. “Every day is similar in that I can have a plan, but there are so many different things I encounter each day that I cannot anticipate and plan for. That’s part of what makes each day interesting and sometimes a challenge,” she shared.
Mrs. Brown recognizes that many students face challenges with confidence and mindset in mathematics. She works tirelessly to instill belief in their abilities. "I have many posters and signs on my classroom walls reminding them to believe in themselves. I will write little words of encouragement on my board and tell them as a whole they can do hard things and that I know they can be successful,” she shared. Her classroom is where students are reminded daily, “You CAN do hard things,” and that progress matters more than perfection.
The strong sense of community at Banks County High School and within the school district is a source of pride for Mrs. Brown. “We feel like a family. Every teacher in our building cares deeply about his/her students and wants them to be successful. It takes a village, but we are all in it together.”
Mrs. Brown credits much of her teaching philosophy to the inspiring educators who shaped her education. Teachers like Jane Johnston, Deborah Morrison, Diane Hardy, Dr. Rhea Galati, and Mr. Nelson Payne left lasting impressions on her approach to teaching and the importance of building student relationships. “They showed me how good teachers taught, ran their classrooms, and encouraged their students. I remain in contact with some of them today because they left a mark on my heart,” she noted.
Her advice to new educators includes, “Hold high expectations of your students. Believe in them and tell them you do. Be kind. Forget that whole thing about 'Don’t smile until Christmas.' It’s okay to smile, have fun, and show your students you love and care about them,” she said, echoing Rita Pierson from a famous Ted Talk sentiment, “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.”
Outside of school, Mrs. Brown is involved in music and her church, Mud Creek Baptist Church. She has a rich musical background, playing piano since age seven, singing in a cappella trio, and serving as her church pianist. She also enjoys crafting, kayaking, and spending time with her family. Mrs. Brown and her husband, Andy, a math teacher at BCHS, have two daughters, Callie and Caroline, who share her love of music and band.
Banks County High School is incredibly blessed to have Mrs. Brown as a part of it, and we are so proud of her! Congratulations, Mrs. Brittany Brown!