GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennesseans for Quality Early Education competition has named its 10 outstanding educators for 2025, and among them is a teacher from Greene County.

Donna Ricker, a teaching assistant at Camp Creek Elementary School, was selected from over 1,200 candidates. She will be awarded $1,000 for personal use, an additional $1,000 for her classroom, and will travel to Nashville.

Ricker said it will be helpful to have money for upgrades and replacements in her classroom that did not come from her own pocket.

“Recognition like this reassures you that you are fulfilling your true calling,” she expressed. “It affirms that you’re following your passion and purpose.”

Jenny White from Tennesseans for Quality Early Education explained that Ricker’s evaluation was conducted blindly by university professors throughout Tennessee. White commented on the process, saying, “It was evident how deeply committed and passionate she is about early education.”

Ricker followed in the footsteps of the teacher that she assists, who was one of the ten winners in 2024.