Anna Trulock, a first-grade teacher at Lake Forest Hills Elementary, was named the Richmond County School System's "Teacher of the Year" during a banquet Wednesday evening.

Trulock earned the honor over fellow finalists Vanessa Patten (Wheeless Road Elementary), Diane R. Collier (Tutt Middle), Lindsay Girosky (Blythe Elementary) and Scott Williams (Deer Chase Elementary).

The award has been presented since 1984.

"These teachers have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that success is the only option," Superintendent Angela Pringle said. "Their dedication, energy and creativity are helping prepare our students to become college- and career-ready."

On Trulock's teacher page, it states that her classroom "thrives on supporting and encouraging others, while using inquiry to guide learning."

Trulock also describes herself as someone who is everyone's biggest cheerleader, while having the ability to recognize others for who they truly are and support them as they live out their purpose.

"It's not just encouraging the children to be excited about learning," Trulock stated. "It is also enabling these children to take ownership of their experiences in a safe and comfortable place."

Dr. Phyllis Johnson-Porter (Jenkins-White Elementary School) won the award last year, while Trulock marks the fifth-straight elementary school teacher to receive the honor.

"The very focal point of our mission as a school system is our students," Pringle said. "By working together, we have an opportunity to build upon our successes to ensure that all students are learning at high levels."

Trulock has been an educator for 13 years.