(L to R): Sarah Craft, Special Education Academic Coach; Katrina Blount-Woodard, Director of Student Services; Leslie Seabury, Debra Brantley Award Recipient; and Dr. Sandy Reid, Vidalia City Schools Assistant Superintendent

All teachers are special, but some take the adjective to a whole new level. Such is the case of Vidalia City Schools Special Education Teacher of the Year Leslie Seabury who is this year’s recipient of the Debra Brantley Award.

Debra Brantley was a Toombs County educator who focused on Special Education. The annual Award is presented to a current educator who advocates for students with disabilities in the same way that Brantley did during her career. Each school system in the First District RESA area recognizes a special education employee annually.

Katrina Blount-Woodard, Director of Student Services, said Brantley  was a friend to her, and Seabury epitomizes everything the former educator stood for in the classroom.

“Debra Brantley was a pioneer and a true advocate for the students she served,” Blount-Woodard said. “I was fortunate to have worked with her and witnessed the qualities that she had, and Leslie has these same qualities and more than deserves this recognition. Anyone who knows her knows her heart for her students and her profession.”

Dr. Sandy Reid has worked with Seabury for a number of years, and she also lauded her for her dedication.

“Mrs. Seabury knows that I love her,” Dr. Reid said. “She gives 150 percent every day to her students and makes our jobs easier. She has been the recipient of this award before as well as the school Teacher of the Year and the system-wide Teacher of the Year.”