Chasing greatness: Hunter Trivette believes that's making connections with students
At a Friday gathering in Chilhowie, Hunter Trivette, the Smyth County and Region 7 Teacher of the Year, addressed his peers and school and county leaders.
Smyth County celebrated the teachers of the year from each school during a Friday luncheon.
Hunter Trivette believes in pursuing excellence, but, as he’s matured, his idea of what that means has changed.
Trivette, Smyth County’s and the state’s Region 7 Teacher of the Year, told a Friday gathering of local educational and government leaders, that as a one-time coach he thought greatness was winning championships. Today, he said, he’s “realized it’s connections”.
Saying he’s honored to be part of Smyth County Schools, Trivette said, “We chase greatness.”
Now, with 30 years of teaching under his belt, Trivette said connections with students, his peers, and other people are where foundations are built.
Last week, at his 31st school open house, Trivette told of standing at his Oak Point Elementary School door when a student approached him. He recognized that she was a former student.
She told Trivette that she was heading to Marion Senior High School for freshman orientation, but she wanted to come back and touch base with a few teachers. She wanted to tell him that she will be part of the color guard. She remembered that he’d brought color guard members into his physical education class for a presentation.
“That’s what we’re shooting for,” Trivette said.
Dr. Brad Haga, school superintendent, said that he learned from Trivette 26 years ago when the pair coached football at MSHS together.
Of Smyth County schools, Haga concurred with Trivette, saying, “We do it right.”
He praised Trivette for his work as the 2027 Region 7 Teacher of the Year, noting that he’s traveled around the state doing presentations. On Monday, Trivette went to James Madison University for another event.
With several members of the Board of Supervisors and School Board in attendance, Haga said no one could find two boards who work more closely.
Elected leaders, Haga said, “treat us like gold.”
To the county’s principals and teachers, he challenged them, saying it takes everyone working together.
“It’s servant’s work,” Haga said.
For the first day of school and beyond, he urged educators to “Make it special. Make it memorable.”
Haga reminded them that some of their students haven’t been loved since the end of the last school year.
With some financial savings, Haga said the school system was allowed to buy multiple tools for education, including five new buses, new Chromebooks, and other needed items.
During the program, each school’s 2027 Teacher of the Year was recognized. They are:
Atkins Elementary, Amanda Burke; Chilhowie Elementary, Amy Robertson; Chilhowie High, Misty Boardwine; Chilhowie Middle, Cory Blevins; Marion Elementary, Julie Umbarger; Marion Middle, Yvette Sauls; Marion Senior High, Wiley Kirk; Northwood High, Stephanie Holmes; Northwood Middle, Amy Prater; Oak Point Elementary, Hunter Trivette; Rich Valley Elementary, Katherine Frye; Smyth Career and Technology Center, Ellen Prater; Saltville Elementary, Ashley Walker; and Sugar Grove Elementary, Katherine Parks.
