Three Fayette County teachers have been honored as finalists in the School System's Teacher of the Year program.

Fayette County High School English teacher Linda Brem, Cathy Nix, language arts teacher at Rising Starr Middle School, and Jill Kirkland, a science teacher at Whitewater Middle School, were caught off guard last week when their respective principals and school superintendent Dr. John DeCotis congratulated them on being recognized as the top three teachers of the year.

One of the three will be selected as Fayette County's candidate for the state Teacher of the Year, with the announcement scheduled for April 13 during a celebration at Sams Auditorium.

Each school in the county named a top teacher. Recognized for their dedication and creativity in the art of teaching were Lori Boggs, Braelinn Elementary; Patt Williams, Brooks Elementary; Tina Patrick, Burch Elementary; Joyce Simpson, East Fayette Elementary; Lin Zacherl, Fayette Intermediate; Ashli Wade, Fayetteville Primary; Barbara Howell, Fayette Middle; Brenda Cannington, Flat Rock Middle; Carol Long, Huddleston Elementary; Nancy Shepack, J.C. Booth Middle; Carol Hancock, Kedron Elementary; Rhoda Rush, McIntosh High; Mary Ann White, North Fayette Elementary; Lynn Shirley, Oak Grove Elementary; Alice Elfer, Peachtree Elementary; Lisa Coley, Peeples Elementary; Anthony Pattiz, Sandy Creek High School; Pam Foster, Spring Hill Elementary, and Margaret Garrett, Tyrone Elementary.