Joycie A. Bright, left, and Tammy Burris accept plaques after being named outstanding teachers Tuesday night. (Jon Giffin The Vicksburg Post)

[1/26/05] For Joycie Bright, the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce annual banquet was almost a reunion of her students.

The Warren Central High School science teacher was named Secondary School Teacher of the Year at the Tuesday night event at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Joining her in the spotlight was Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tammy Burris, a former student.

Including Burris, three of Bright’s former students were nominated for the same honor, including Erica Taylor of Vicksburg Junior High and Tondia Ferracci of Bowmar Avenue Elementary.

“I feel like a proud mama, seeing all these former students,” Bright said.

One of those former students, attorney Omar Nelson, was named the new treasurer of the chamber of commerce, she said.

Bright has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Alcorn State University and a specialist degree in secondary education from Mississippi State University. In addition to teaching at WCHS, she also teaches general chemistry and physical science at Alcorn State and taught general chemistry at Hinds Community College.

Burris said her enthusiasm for science came from being taught by Bright.

“It’s my passion,” she said.

After graduating from WCHS, Burris received a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in elementary education and specialist degree in educational leadership from Mississippi College.

Burris said she was surprised to be chosen.

“I’m shocked and honored because I’m among such good teachers,” said Burris, who teaches fourth grade at Redwood Elementary School. She has also taught at Warrenton Elementary and Vicksburg Intermediate.

“I’m very happy to represent Redwood,” said Burris, who noted that she’d only been at the school for two years. “They’ve really taken me in,” she said.

Bright credited her fellow teachers at WCHS.

“I’m amazed. It’s really an honor to be selected by my peers,” Bright said.

“It’s just icing on the cake,” she said.

For the annual honors, the Chamber of Commerce accepts a nominee for each local school, and those selected are interviewed by a volunteer committee.