SIDNEY — A Sidney Hgh School teacher was named Teacher of the Year by the Sidney Education Association during its yearly banquet on May 9 at The Oaks.

Jamie Whitman was honored as the Teacher of the Year. He was nominated by Mike Keiser. Whitman teaches Sociology, Psychology and American Government at SHS. He has taught at Sidney for 29 years. In his nomination speech, Keiser said, “Jamie is is the epitome of a student-first teacher. He has fantastic rapport with students and has the goal to teach students to think for themselves. He has dynamic, hand-crafted lesson plans and looks out for student’s best interests, especially championing the ‘little guy’.”

Cody Baker received the Doers Award. He was nominated by Samantha Slover. Baker is the Vo Ag teacher at Sidney High School. He has been here three years. Baker goes above and beyond his job description. He not only teaches and does FFA with his students but he also has stepped up and driven a bus route to help cover the shortage, and he also never tells anyone no when asked to help with something. No matter how full his own plate is, he is always there to lend a helping hand even with a smile.

Four retiring teachers were also acknowledged. Brenda Spangler retired after 34 years of teaching in Sidney City Schools. Kathy Keith retired with two years at Lima Shawnee, two years with Bellefontaine Schools and 24 years with Sidney City Schools.

Layne Meyer retired with 34 years experience, all in Sidney City Schools. Kathy Develvis retired with 25 years of experience in Sidney City Schools.