Baker, Kennemore Earn Top Teaching Honors
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Water Valley High School Teacher of the Year Roxanne Kennemore is recognized during Monday night’s school board meeting ahead of her upcoming retirement. She is joined by (from left) Breianna Mardis, WVHS Principal Dr. Vickie Person, Rob Tidwell, John Mardis and Superintendent Drew Pitcock.
WATER VALLEY — Teachers of the Year were recognized during the Water Valley School District Board of Trustees meeting held Monday night, April 20, at the district administration building.
At Davidson Elementary School, Casey Baker was named Teacher of the Year, earning the honor for what school officials described as her dedication, professionalism and commitment to student growth.
DES Assistant Principal Dr. Bonnie Keene told school board members that Baker’s path into the classroom has been shaped by both experience and determination. Baker began her career as a teacher assistant in Charleston, serving from 2006 to 2012, before stepping away to raise her family. She returned to education in 2021 as a classroom assistant at Davidson Elementary, where her passion for working with young students quickly stood out.
In 2024, Baker earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Southern Mississippi and was promoted to a kindergarten teacher. She now serves as lead kindergarten teacher, a role that highlights her instructional leadership and focus on early childhood education.
A longtime resident of Coffeeville, Baker has lived in the community for 25 years. She and her husband, Craig Baker, pastor of First Baptist Church, have two children, Addi, a junior, and John Daniel, a seventh grader.
Baker said her love for teaching is rooted in working with young students.
“I love the little ones, and I always have,” she said. “I love seeing the growth — academically and in their personalities. The little ones have so much love to share.”
She added, “I love my job with the Water Valley School District.”
“I am extremely proud of Mrs. Baker and the growth she has shown the last three years,” Keene shared during the presentation. “From assistant to Teacher of the Year in such a short time is remarkable and is indicative of the hard work she has shown. We couldn’t have asked for a better recipient.”
At Water Valley High School, Roxanne Kennemore was named Teacher of the Year, recognized for more than 25 years of service in the district, all in special education.
Principal Dr. Vickie Person said the honor reflects more than a title.
“It is a reflection of impact, dedication and the countless moments that happen behind the scenes,” Person said.
Person described Kennemore as a steady and compassionate presence in the classroom, noting her consistency and commitment over more than two decades.
“In a world that moves fast, you slow down for students who need it most,” she said. “You meet challenges not with frustration but with grace.”
Kennemore was also recognized for her work ethic and quiet approach to making a difference, showing up each day fully invested in her students and their success.
For 25 years, she has worked with students who need not only instruction, but understanding, patience and advocacy, building relationships that have left a lasting impact.
Person said one of Kennemore’s greatest strengths is her ability to make every student feel seen and valued.
“In her classroom, students are not invisible,” she said. “Their voices matter. Their stories matter.”
Kennemore, who will retire at the end of the school year, was also praised for her positive attitude and steady presence throughout her career and in recent health challenges.
In other business, the board approved the creation of two new teaching positions at Davidson Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year, including a special education teacher and an additional kindergarten teacher.
Superintendent Drew Pitcock said the special education position is needed to address a growing number of students requiring services, noting the district has seen a significant increase in recent years.
The additional kindergarten position is intended to reduce class sizes in one of the district’s most critical grade levels, where the current student count is over 20 per classroom.
Davidson Elementary School Teacher of the Year Casey Baker (center) is honored during Monday night’s school board meeting, joined by Assistant Principal Dr. Bonnie Keene and Superintendent Drew Pitcock.
