Piner wins Parrott's top teaching award
Arendell Parrott Academy Spanish teacher Meda Piner is joined by her family after receiving the school’s Hobgood Distinguished Faculty Award on May 30. From left are, Mimi Piner, Henry Piner, Meda Piner and husband Andy, Andrew Piner and McLean Piner. Submitted photo
Spanish teacher Meda Piner took home Arendell Parrott’s top teaching award on May 30.
“Her students describe her as fun and caring, with a special way of bringing life to Spanish,” APA Headmaster Bert Bright said of Piner while giving her the Annie Belle Edwards Hobgood Distinguished Faculty Award on May 30.
The award, established in 1993 by the family of A.L. Hobgood III, recognizes instructional excellence and passion for teaching. By tradition, it is the final award given at the annual Senior Recognition Banquet the night before graduation. The recipient is always a secret.
As part of the Hobgood Distinguished Faculty Award, Mrs. Piner received a Steuben crystal apple and a monetary gift. Submitted photo
In making the announcement, Bright praised Piner’s inventive class projects and school spirit.
“Spunky and lively, she even has energy left over to participate in our annual student-faculty basketball game,” he said.
Specializing in teaching Spanish I, Piner introduces high school students to daily foreign language study. She keeps them engaged with creative projects such as preparing a recipe in the classroom and explaining the steps in Spanish.
She has also organized and led many student tours of Europe. In spring 2020, she plans to take a student group to Spain.
A graduate of Furman University, Piner joined Parrott’s faculty 13 years ago. She and her husband live in Greenville, and all four of her children graduated from APA. As she accepted the award, Piner was joined by her family and received a standing ovation from students, parents and fellow faculty members.
“I’m very honored and very fortunate to teach at an establishment like Parrott Academy,” she said.
