Teachers, administrators and parents with the Meridian Public School District were recognized for their commitment to student success at the January meeting of the district’s board of trustees. 

Kimberly Kendrick, principal of Crestwood of Crestwood Elementary, will represent the district as 2016-17 Administrator of the Year, and Amanda Shadwick, the science teacher at Carver Middle School, will represent MPSD as 2016-17 Teacher of the Year. Danny Davis, president of the Parent Teacher Organization at 

Danny Davis, president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Northwest Middle School, was named Parent of the Year.

With 21 years of experience in education, Kendrick is in her seventh year as principal of Crestwood Elementary. She earned a Bachelor of Arts and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama. She began her career as a teacher at Alberta Elementary School in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Kendrick is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“Ms. Kendrick was selected as Administrator of the Year for the Meridian Public School District for her commitment to providing quality learning experiences for students, the support that she provides to teachers, and her efforts to partner with parents and the community,” said MPSD Superintendent Dr. Amy Carter. “Ms. Kendrick has also been instrumental in moving Crestwood from a low-performing school to a successful school, and I am very proud of Ms. Kendrick and the Crestwood team.”

Kendrick said she was honored to have been chosen for the award, but wishes it could have been a school award as well.

“Crestwood Elementary School is a community of learners – not just the students, but the teachers as well,” Kendrick said. “We are working together to meet students where they are, provide individualized instruction, and to help them grow.”

Shadwick, who is in her ninth year as a teacher, teaches eighth-grade science at Carver Middle School. She is a graduate of Meridian High School and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Mississippi State University as well as a specialist certification in administration. 

 “Ms. Shadwick’s love for her students and teaching is evident through her high expectations and out-of-the-box teaching,” said Carter. “She goes above and beyond to ensure students are engaged and that learning is fun.”

Shadwick said she was honored to be named Teacher of the Year.

“It means so much to me that my colleagues voted me as Carver’s Teacher of the Year, so to be named District Teacher of the Year is such a tremendous honor,” Shadwick said. “It doesn’t matter what profession you are in, it would not be possible without a good teacher. So, I try to be the best teacher I can be for my students.”

Davis is serving his third term as President of the PTO at Northwest Middle School, where he has been instrumental in supporting the school’s students and staff. From creating a school store to purchasing two refrigerators for the school, Davis is always willing to serve in whatever capacity he is needed. Davis is the pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church, and he and his wife Jennifer have two children – Connor,

Davis is the pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church, and he and his wife Jennifer have two children – Connor, student at Northwest, and Anna, student at Poplar Springs.

 “We can’t thank Mr. Davis enough for his ongoing commitment and support of, not only Northwest Middle School but the Meridian Public School District as a whole,” said Carter. “His dedication to the students and staff doesn’t go unnoticed.”

“I feel unworthy to be named Parent of the Year because there are so many other parents that do so much,” Davis said. “It is very humbling and an honor to be recognized this way.”

The MPSD Teacher of the Year is chosen from those who represent their individual schools as Teacher of the Year. The 2016-17 Teachers of the Year for each school are as follows: 

Amanda Shadwick, Carver; Melanie Floyd, Crestwood; Steven Shadwick, Magnolia; Lori Gatlin, Marion Park; Vanessa Mix, MHS Freshman Academy; Marsha Iverson, Meridian High; Hali Morgan, Northwest; Roxann Henson, Oakland Heights; Amanda Mowery, Parkview; Melissa Goldman, Poplar Springs; Devra Massey, Ross Collins; Julie Gressett, T.J. Harris Lower; Tarra Hurst, T.J. Harris Upper; and Rebecca Davis, West Hills.

The MPSD Parent of the Year is also chosen from those who represent their individual schools as Parent of the Year. The following are 2016-17 Parents of the Year for each school:

Sabrina Wilson, Carver; Erica Cross, Crestwood; Jamard Wright, Magnolia; Johnny Ward, Marion Park; Lashundra Roberts, MHS Freshman Academy; Showanda Brown, Meridian High; Danny Davis, Northwest; Shirley Gardner, Oakland Heights; Beverly Joseph, Parkview; Anna Mims and Brooke Chamblee, Poplar Springs; Eloise McQuarters, T.J. Harris Lower and Upper; and Richard Young, West Hills.