Sumter Christian names Teacher of the Year
Mary Hankins has been selected as Teacher of the Year at Sumter Christian School for the 2019-20 school year. Hankins has a bachelor's and master's degree from Bob Jones University. She taught at Sumter Christian School for three years in the 1990s and then returned in 2016. She is finishing her seventh year at Sumter Christian School and teaches English in middle school and high school. She also provides guidance and assistance with the dual-enrollment seniors. She often volunteers to help with various extracurricular activities such as the student council, concessions, etc.
Hankins is a native of Weathersfield, Vermont, the daughter of Clarence and Dorothy Grover. She is married to Dale Hankins, who works at International Paper. They have two grown children. Her hobbies include quilting, reading, bowling, trips with her family and Red Sox baseball. She is a member of Bethesda Church of God, where she and her husband taught Sunday school for many years. She served for five years on the board for Sumter Area Family Educators.
When asked what she liked best about teaching, she replied, "the intriguing conversations with my students." As for her philosophy of education, Hankins said, "To spark a desire in my students to learn as much as possible about the world around them so they develop a relationship with the Creator of it all."
When colleagues were asked to offer comments about Hankins, the responses included the following: "She sets a worthy example for her students and also for the other teachers. In the face of life's many trials, she maintains a cheerful, hopeful attitude." "Mary loves her students dearly, and it shows every day by the way she helps them and gives of her time to them." "Mary embodies what it means to be a Christian school teacher with her kind spirit and long-suffering heart." "She works diligently and balances a heavy workload of teaching six English classes." "I can clearly see her love for the students and her passion for teaching. On a personal level, she is caring and compassionate."
One parent said, "She makes English challenging and exciting for the students, and my child loves her class."
Her principal said, "Mary is loved and appreciated by her students. She develops relationships with them, and her students constantly visit her during lunch, after school, etc. to play Uno or socialize with her. She understands that building relationships is key to influencing students academically and spiritually. She communicates well with the parents of her students. Her consistent, gentle spirit and her love for students make her an exemplary English teacher. Her students are well-prepared for college English classes."