For 31 years, Cobb County has hosted Give Our Schools A Hand, an event honoring and recognizing outstanding educators throughout the county.

This October, Kim Subacz, an assistant professor of biology at Georgia Highlands College, was one of the well-deserving educators celebrated with the breakfast and pep rally.

“The event breakfast banquet and pep rally were just so uplifting,” she said. “I haven’t experienced anything like it. A marching band leads the teachers toward the stage. It’s like a concert. The energy level is through the roof. It’s such a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.”

Subacz is still surprised that she found herself in the middle of the celebration. When she was told she had been chosen to represent GHC at the event, she was shocked.

“I still find it hard to believe,” she said. “I feel like there are so many well deserving teachers out there and I am so very thankful.”

Subacz’s journey to GHC Teacher of the Year began in 2015 as a part-time faculty member.

“A coworker of mine in retail told me she enjoyed her classes here at GHC and I was looking to get back into academia,” she said.  “I’m so glad I applied and will always be grateful for that first interview call. I fell in love with the atmosphere at GHC.”

Her passion for GHC hasn’t faded a bit over the years.

“I love that GHC feels like a family,” she said. “This is one of the best work environments I’ve experienced. I feel like everyone here genuinely cares about each other and our students.”