Ms. Calli Shirley Classified Person of the Year
Banks County Elementary School proudly honors Calli Shirley as the 2024-2025 Classified Person of the Year. A Banks County graduate from the Class of 2011, Calli has dedicated the past 10 years as BCES's bookkeeper and registrar, serving students, staff, and families with kindness and dedication.
Calli starts her day managing the front office, welcoming students, answering phones, and assisting visitors. Her work varies daily, from handling student records and report cards to managing school finances and supporting staff wherever needed. Her commitment to helping others and creating a welcoming environment is at the heart of what makes BCES feel like a family.
"No matter what obstacles our students face, we want them to feel safe and know we're here for them," she shared.
Calli loves spending time with her daughters, Aubree and Paisley, and values the faith-filled, supportive community she's found at BCES. "I'm grateful to work in a place where prayer and faith are a part of everyday life," she said.
Humble about her achievements, Calli expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying, "It's an honor, but I don't feel deserving of it."
BCES is lucky to have Calli Shirley on the team. Her dedication, kindness, and faith inspire us all. Congratulations, Calli!
Mrs. McKenna, Lord Teacher of the Year
Banks County Elementary School proudly recognizes McKenna Lord as its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. A dedicated 4th-grade reading, writing, and language arts teacher, Mrs. Lord has been inspiring students at BCES for six years.
Mrs. Lord's greatest joy comes from seeing her students grow—academically, socially, and emotionally. "Those 'aha' moments are why I teach," she said. She tackles challenges head-on, helping students build confidence, social skills, and academic perseverance. "I remind my students daily that they can achieve anything with hard work," she added.
Teaching at BCES is especially meaningful for Mrs. Lord, a Banks County native. "I grew up here, attended this school, and now teach in my old 4th-grade classroom," she shared. Her deep connection to the community and love for its students make her role even more fulfilling.
She credits her success to teachers who inspired her, particularly her 3rd-grade teacher, Dr. Wendy Fuschetti. "She encouraged us to be creative and work hard. Working alongside her has been an honor," Mrs. Lord said.
Her advice to new educators? "Build relationships with your students. When they feel supported, everything else falls into place."
Outside of teaching, Mrs. Lord enjoys time with her husband, Jesse, their one-year-old son, Jasper, and their two dogs, Benji and Sampson. The family looks forward to welcoming a new baby, Casey James, in February. She also loves reading, learning, and spending time on the lake.
Mrs. Lord's passion, dedication, and commitment to her students and community make her a shining example of excellence in education.