Douglas High teachers recognized for dedication

Two Douglas High School teachers were recognized for their dedication on Monday, but the recognition came from different sources.

Walmart named science teacher Patti Fitzpatrick its Teacher of the Year for Douglas County.

Walmart Community Involvement Coordinator Angela Wood said students nominated Fitzpatrick because of her willingness to go above and beyond her normal duties.

"She deserves it," said 15-year-old Ben Syang, who is in Fitzpatrick's advanced placement chemistry class. "She does a lot of work for us."

Douglas High Vice Principal Dave Pyle agreed.

"Patti really does go above and beyond," he said. "She holds remediation seminars for those students who need help passing graduation requirements."

Fitzpatrick, whom Vice Principal Tom Morgan described as "quick-witted, entertaining and lively," was somewhat flushed and tongue-tied when Wood and school administrators walked into her classroom with the award and a handful of balloons.

"It's very exciting," she said. "I hope I can live up to expectations."

For the honor, Fitzpatrick received a commemorative plaque, a $1,000 check to Douglas High School, and a $100 Walmart gift card.

She will be eligible to compete in Walmart's Teacher-of-the-Year state finals, and possibly the national finals.

In another building of the school, math teacher Debbie Barnes was recognized by the College Board for outstanding academic achievement in advanced placement mathematics.

The College Board, which organizes advanced placement courses and testing, recognized Douglas High, and Barnes specifically, for producing some of the highest test scores in the state.

About 83 percent of 35 students who took the advanced placement calculus test last spring received a passing score, exceeding the national average, and garnering the students college credit.

"I'm really proud of the kids," Barnes said. "They work hard, and they succeed."

Calculus student Taryn Williams said Barnes deserves the recognition.

"She is the best math teacher ever," Williams said.

Barnes will participate in the Siemens National Advanced Placement Teacher-of-the-Year competition. One teacher from each state is chosen to compete for the national title.

"Debbie is very deserving, and I hope that she can represent the state of Nevada," said Douglas High Principal Marty Swisher.

"She is certainly one of the best math teachers I've ever worked with."