Shining Light 2023 Finalists

DJ Evers
2nd Grade Teacher at Bell Shoals Academy

DJ Evers has a reputation for compassion, insight, and gentility with her class. She goes out of her way to build one-on-one connections with her students, attempting to draw out their character and self-confidence, while coaching them with patience and tenderness. Her commitment is to be a woman of Godly character and excellent teacher. She is a role model for peers and students alike.

She is involved with Life group at The Grove, serves in children’s ministry, and runs with JoyFM’s Team Freedom and Hope for Justice to raise money and awareness to fight human trafficking. She tutors former students in the summer, does CST at Bell Shoals Academy, and is a Varsity Cross Country Coach.

Tasha Miller
VPK Teacher at Bell Shoals Academy

Tasha Miller is always willing to help out others without being asked. She comes early and sets up others’ classrooms if they are going to be absent. She helps out on days staff numbers are low. She always has a smile or funny comment to break up the craziness of days, which helps relieve some of the stress teachers hold on to. She is a great team player. Thankful she is on the BSA staff and she is a fantastic teacher who pours into her students.

Tasha Miller helps out others in the neighborhood and does community yard work for elderly people. She is always taking courses to improve as a teacher.

Tara Simmons
Fourth Grade teacher at Bell Shoals Academy

Tara Simmonds takes the time to see individual needs for her students. She praises behavior that needs to be praised and recognized. She is well liked and goes above and beyond to serve. She will stop and pray for or listen to anyone (staff, students, and parents) in need.

She serves in BSC’s children’s ministry, volunteers when she sees a need for a meal, service project, etc. She volunteers with Panther Run, Math Olympics, and tutors students. She works the finish line at C.C. races, picks up chairs after ball games, volunteers with musicals/performances as needed, and watches students so parents can work or attend curriculars. She works a Math Club at lunch to help struggling students.

Tracy Olding
3rd Grade Teacher at Foundations Christian Academy

Mrs. Olding embodies the essence of the Shining Light Award as she is everything a Christian parent would want in their child’s teacher. She is compassionate, creative, gentle, and she loves Jesus. She has all the qualities that a Christian school principal seeks. She is patient, plans fun lessons, has a strong work ethic, is always prepared, and mentors others. She uses class time effectively working to meet the needs of each child. Tracy is a learner, always seeking to improve even through she is already a gem of a teacher. She challenges her students to do the same. She makes great connections with her 3rd graders showing genuine interest in them and their passions as she builds meaningful relationships. She creates an amazing classroom climate where children are happy and thriving. Tracy puts a strong emphasis on serving one another and others and fosters this expectation, teaching the students the joy that comes from giving. Mrs. Olding’s light shines for the Lord and is such a blessing to the Christian school community as she serves children and God with such passion.

Tracy has lead life groups and Awanas for young people in her church. In the past, she has volunteered with Metropolitan Ministries. She has planned an opportunity for her 3rd grades to serve along side her at Metropolitan Ministries.

Tracy shows up at the elementary chorus concert bringing flowers for her performing students. She has been a mentor for beginning teachers. She works at the school spring festival.

Shining Light 2022 Award Timeline

• Late February Distribution of Packets begins
• May Finalist Presentation

Shining Light Important Links

• Info Packet for Nominations
• Winner in 2022
• Winner in 2021
• Winner in 2019
• Winner in 2018
• Winner in 2017