Samantha Booker, 2012 alumna of Paine College was recently named as one of the five finalists for Richmond County School System (RCSS). Booker is currently the Teacher of the Year for Deer Chase Elementary School where serves as a 1st through 5th grade gifted teacher.

"To be named one of the top five finalists for Richmond County is a major honor," Booker said. "Teaching is hard, yet a rewarding job. To be recognized by the school and the district is confirmation that this is where I am supposed to be."

Booker is in the running for 2019 RCSS Teacher of the Year along with Patrice B. Mybank (Hephzibah High School), Sallie Taylor Manning (A.R. Johnson), Thaddeus Mohler (Langford Middle School) and Angela Rhea (Blythe Elementary School).

The winner will be announced at the Annual Teacher of the Year Banquet on October 4th.