By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Car dealer honors teacher
NeSmith Teacher1
An intercom call to the front office for JME kindergarten teacher Frank Kelso turned out to be a pleasant surprise. - photo by Photo by Alena Parker.
Hinesville's NeSmith Chevrolet surprised a kindergarten teacher Jan. 18 with words of thanks and a couple tokens of appreciation.
Frank Kelso teaches kindergarten at Joseph Martin Elementary and recently received media attention for his efforts in education from WTOC.
As the Teacher of the Year for JME, Kelso was also recently named WTOC Top Teacher for the week. WTOC announces a new Top Teacher every Wednesday.
"This year is full of surprises," Kelso said.
Lamar Barnes, NeSmith sales manager and sales consultant Aaron Trimble came to the school and presented a notebook and coffee maker to Kelso.
"We want people to know we're not the traditional dealership. We're a dealership that cares about the community that it works in," Barnes said. "And anything about education, it's so important nowadays."
Kelso has drawn so much recognition because he "somewhat has a different approach," according to Barnes.
He liked to hear how Kelso encourages reading, but waits to show the illustrations until the story is over and the students get a chance to draw their own pictures.
Kelso explained he is working to "get them to use their imagination...this age really needs that."
"I'm trying to instill in them a love of learning," he said. "And that this is an ongoing process."
Kelso has been an educator for nine years and said he was influenced to go into teaching by the teachers he had.
"I still remember my kindergarten teacher," he said.

Sign up for our e-newsletters