Billie Faulk, a 27-year veteran in the Butler County School System was named the Greenville High School Teacher of the Year on Thursday.

Faulk was nominated by an overwhelming majority of the faculty and students at the high school, and final selection was made by a "selection committee" comprised of Principal John Black, another teacher, a student, and the school librarian.

The committee unanimously agreed that Mrs. Faulk deserved this prestigious honor.

"Mrs. Faulk teaches her classes like she really cares," was the comment that Brandy Nelson, a senior wrote on the nomination form that she turned in.

Faulk, who has a master's degree in history education, has taught at the Greenville High School for 25 of her 27 years with the school system.

"I taught the first two years in elementary grades," Faulk said. "That was where I really got my education."

Faulk teaches Advanced Placement (AP) history for juniors, U.S. History and Geography for sophomores, and Honors World History for freshmen.

She is also the sponsor for the Scholars Bowl (Prep Bowl) team.

Faulk, who travels abroad to bring back enrichment and first-hand knowledge to her students, was honored and surprised by the award. "It is very nice to be recognized, and especially meaningful because this award came from the students, and my peers," she said.

She was presented with a large basket of teacher's supplies, provided by the Incentive Committee.

"Mrs. Faulk will be submitted to the School Board at the Central Office," said Principal Black. "From there, she will compete against the other schools' nominees, in the secondary school category.

The final winner from Butler County will compete at the District level, and that winner will advance to the State Teacher of the Year competition," he said.