There are outstanding individuals in each community who go above and beyond the norm to assist and promote local schools and other educational agencies. The Chattahoochee-Flint RESA created the Champions for Education program to identify and recognize these individuals throughout the region. Each school district, university, college, and regional library selects a Champion. Each recipient is recognized and presented with a Champions trophy at a luncheon hosted by Chattahoochee-Flint RESA. The Marion County School District is proud to announce that we have chosen Ms. Wanda Welch as our Champion of Education this year.
Ms. Wanda Welch began her journey with the Marion County School System 29 years ago. Like many of us, she started with a simple motivation: to align her work schedule with her daughter’s growing needs as she started school. What began as a practical decision evolved into a life of passion and purpose. As she found her place in our school system, she discovered a joy that would propel her forward, day after day, year after year.
Throughout her time at LK Moss Elementary as the para for physical education, Ms. Wanda has become so much more than just a staff member; she has become a cornerstone of our school. Her dependability is unparalleled. Rain or shine, she is one of the first to arrive, ready to greet each day with a smile and a commitment to our students and staff alike.
She has a special gift for connecting with children, and it is clear to everyone just how much they adore her. With nicknames like Buttercup, Honey, Sugar, and Dear, Ms. Wanda brings warmth and affection to the lives of our students, fostering relationships that will last a lifetime. Coach Billy Law has shared how she has mentored him and so many other coaches, bridging the gap between experience and enthusiasm for teaching young children. His advice to any new coach? Don’t mess with Ms. Wanda’s Mountain Dew! Beyond the humor, we see a woman who provides stability, guidance, and organization, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from Kindergarten through 5th grade.
She greets parents with open arms during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, building that essential connection between school and home, always wearing that genuine smile. In Ms. Wanda, our students find not just a helper, but a confidante, someone who will lift them up when they are feeling down, someone who will listen, share a laugh, and offer sound advice.
Her love for our kids is not just admirable; it is transformative. The impact she has made in the lives of countless students is immeasurable, touching their hearts in ways that will resonate for years to come. It is this unique ability and unwavering dedication that has left an indelible mark on LK Moss and on the entire Marion County School System.
We proudly recognize Ms. Wanda as our Champion of Education, a title she wears with grace and pride. She embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Marion County Eagle—compassionate, dedicated, and unyieldingly supportive of our students and community.
Ms. Wanda, thank you for your 29 years of service, for the love you show every day, and for the countless lives you have touched. You are truly one of a kind, and we are forever grateful for all that you do. Let’s give a round of applause to Ms. Wanda, our Champion of Education, and a shining star of Marion County.
