Tullahoma City Schools recently learned that three staff members were named regional semifinalists for their respective awards. Dr. Wendy Wilkerson has been named a semifinalist for Supervisor of the Year, while Dr. Woody Dillehay is a semifinalist for Principal of the Year and Blair Clanton is a semifinalist for Teacher of the Year.

The semi-finalists represent each of the eight Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) areas in the state, as well as the Shelby County-Municipals area. In November, Tullahoma City Schools announced that Blair Clanton was named the TCS Middle School Teacher of the Year. Clanton has spent the last five years as a highly modified instructor at West Middle School.

“Being named a semifinalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year is such an honor,” Clanton said. “I work alongside so many amazing educators and paraprofessionals who make what I do possible. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to represent Tullahoma City Schools and all of the people who show up every day for our students.”

Dr. Dillehay was also named the Tullahoma City Schools’ Principal of the Year back in November. Dr. Dillehay is the principal of East Middle School and has held that position since 2019. Before joining EMS, he served as the principal at Robert E. Lee Elementary School.

“I’m blessed to work with a wonderful group of people who share a common belief that we should love our students, create positive student experiences, and help our students excel academically, emotionally and socially,” Dr. Dillehay said. “The care, dedication, and commitment our faculty and staff demonstrate toward our students daily are truly amazing to watch. I am thankful to be a small part of such a wonderful team that invests in our students and works tirelessly to prepare them to chase their dreams in high school and beyond.

This award may have my name on it, but the recognition belongs to those who directly impact our students each day, our teachers and our staff.”

Dr. Wilkerson serves as the district’s Director of Special Education and 504, a position that she has held since 2020, and in November, she was recognized as the TCS Supervisor of the Year.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Wilkerson served as the Special Education Coordinator and also worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

“This honor is a testament to the outstanding general and special education staff 1 am blessed to work with daily,” Dr.

Wilkerson said. “We have such wonderful and professional teachers in our district, and this is purely a reflection of our team.”

After being named regional semifinalists, these three TCS employees will move on in the competition. Later this summer, nine finalists from each category (teacher, principal, supervisor) will be named from the semi-finalist groups. From there, scorers will select the Grand Division Winners- East, Middle and West.

“I am incredibly proud of Dr. Wilkerson, Mrs. Clanton and Dr. Dillehay,” said TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens. “We are fortunate to have some incredible teachers and leaders in our district. All three of these individuals are excellent choices to represent Tullahoma City Schools, and I am excited to see how they advance in the competition. No matter the outcomes, these three are winners to us.”