The Teachers of the Year for each school are as follows: Sandra Gomillion (Latta High School), Anna Rogers (Latta Middle School), and Mary Thomas Rice (Latta Elementary School).
Sandra S. Gomillion graduated from Clemson University with a major in Mathematical Sciences and a minor in Statistics. She is also a graduate of Limestone University with a major in Business Administration-Accounting. Ms. Gomillion currently teaches Project Lead the Way (Engineering) courses, serves as the Assistant Director of Athletics, and has been the head coach of the girls’ basketball team for the last six years.
Mary Thomas Rice is a Lower Elementary Montessori teacher at Latta Elementary School in Dillon School District 3. She teaches first through third grade students in all content areas. She graduated from Francis Marion University (FMU) in 2013, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education. In 2016, she earned her Montessori certification from the Palmetto Montessori Institute. She earned a Master of Education in Literacy in 2017 from Coastal Carolina University and was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education.
Anna Elizabeth Rogers is a native of Latta, South Carolina and completed several courses in Latta High School’s International Baccalaureate program as an actively involved student in extracurricular activities. Ms. Rogers received her Bachelor of Art degree in Studio Art while playing softball for the North-Greenville University Trailblazers. Latta Middle School was seeking an art teacher simultaneously with Anna graduating from college. In her first two years of teaching, she received her Masters of Art in Teaching from Liberty University.
Dillon District Three would like to announce Anna Rogers as District Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year.
Ms. Rogers has taught Studio Art to the students of Latta Middle School for the past six years. She has served as a huddle leader the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Assistant Varsity Softball Coach, and the Head Junior Varsity Softball Coach.
When asked why she chose to become a teacher, Anna Rogers stated, “Teaching has allowed me to help students grow, not only as artists, but also as young adults as they learn to express themselves and dare to be creative. I believe that my greatest accomplishment in public education is creating a safe space where every student is involved, engaged, and a part of the learning environment.”
Being selected as District Teacher of the Year qualifies Anna Rogers as a participant in the selection of South Carolina Teacher of the Year. The South Carolina Teacher of the Year Program is coordinated via the Division of Educator Quality & Leadership and is designed to honor those who are representative of the state’s many exceptional teachers.
