Thousands recently packed the stands of the Wheeler High School arena. The thunderous roar of the fans rivaled a Taylor Swift concert as they caught a glimpse of their favorite star. 

The fans, spanning all ages, eagerly waved pom poms and boasted colorful signs:

“My Idol!” 

“We love you!” 

“You Rock!”

“Go, Mommy!” 

“#1 TOTY!”

“You are the Best!”

“The Best Teacher!”  

The crowd burst to their feet as the parade of Cobb County’s 2024 Teachers of the Year entered the arena. Large cardboard cutouts of the fans’ favorite teachers dotted the stands as students from across Cobb showered their Teacher of the Year with the rock star treatment they deserve for the work they do every day in the classroom. Collectively, the honored teachers have served students for more than 1,000 years. For some, this is not their first time being recognized as their school’s top teacher across the decades. 

“It is a fact. Cobb has the best teachers in all of Georgia. That’s why our students are the best and why our community remains the best place to call home,” said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn. 

Community members from every corner of the county joined in on the annual pep rally of the year that honors Cobb’s top teachers. Even a school mascot suited up to celebrate the rock star educators during the Cobb Chamber’s 35th year of Give Our Schools a Hand celebration.

As the teachers soaked up the spotlight, they danced and waved to their enthusiastic fans.

Four of the Teachers of the Year caught extra time in the spotlight. Cobb’s three District Level Teachers of the Year and Marietta City’s District Level winner participated in a drawing to determine which brand of new car they will drive free for a year courtesy of the Voyles Automotive Group.

Cobb’s Teacher of the Year, Karen Wright, recently cemented her place in Marietta's history. Now, Ms. Wright, along with Cobb’s other two Teacher of the Year level winners, will pick up the keys to their new cars in November.    

In August, Ms. Wright started her era as Cobb’s District Level Teacher of the Year when Superintendent Chris Ragsdale made the surprise announcement at Big Shanty Intermediate School.