Delta Area Association for Improvement of School (DAAIS) held an end of the year event in Cleveland at Delta State University on May 20.
Mario Willis, superintendent of Hollandale School District; Glenda Jackson, principal of Riverside Elementary School; and Tyjawanda C. Kirk, teacher of O’Bannon High School, were named superintendent, administrator and teacher of the year at this event.
Mario Willis has been an educator for 17 years. He has had experience in not only Mississippi but Tennessee as well.
“I am honored to be recognized for this award, but this award is a reflection of the efforts of the entire team,” Willis said. “ My presence here is only possible because of a strong and supportive board, great leaders, and outstanding teachers. I’m thankful to be superintendent in my hometown.”
Glenda Jackson has been in the district for the last four years as principal of Riverside Elementary. She is honored to be awarded as administrator of the year.
“Most certainly, it's an honor to have been considered,” Jackson said. “It is indeed an honor to be chosen amongst the many administrators in this category. I am truly happy and thankful.”
Tyjawanda C. Kirk has been in the district for the last 21 years, where she has taught mathematics with focus on Algebra 1. She was shocked yet excited to be presented this award.
“I am excited and I am very surprised to be the DAAIS teacher of the year,” Kirk said. “This was not expected at all and I am very excited to know that my hard work and dedication to my students hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Superintendents all across the Delta nominate their candidates to the Delta Area Schools Consortium. Then the members of the consortium score their application packets and based on the highest score, a winner is chosen.
The Delta Area Association for Improvement of School (DAAIS) is a voluntary consortium of the Mississippi Educational Institutions located in or adjacent to the geographic region known as the Mississippi Delta. The membership currently includes thirty-one school districts, one parochial school system, one university, and two community colleges.
