After choosing its eight teachers of the year from all Dawson County schools, the board of education has named its system Teacher of the Year.

Kilough Elementary School's music teacher, Jennifer Fuller, was given the honor during Monday's regular meeting.

"It's not every day that you get recognized as the best of the best by your peers," said Dawson County School Superintendent Damon Gibbs.

Fuller has been teaching at Kilough since its opening 13 years ago. She was selected as its Teacher of the Year for 2014-15 in August.

"Ms. Fuller has a passion for teaching and enriches the lives of her students every day," said Kilough Principal Tracy Compton. "She showcases the talents of her students and helps them find the talents they didn't even know existed."

A 15-year veteran of teaching, Fuller said that she has always loved music.

"I've always had a love for music," she said. "I was always in chorus and my dad was a musician. My mother loved music, as well."

She has taught a wide variety of subjects over her years, including middle and high school chorus, drama, piano and general music, which she teaches at Kilough for kindergarten through fifth grade.

"I always tell my students: ‘Don't be afraid to be creative.' There are many different worlds of music," she said, "You have instrument players, singers, multicultural music and there are different avenues to choose from. I try to get them to explore and find the one they are comfortable with."

With her selection as system Teacher of the Year, Fuller will go on to represent the entire system on the state level.

"The system teacher of the year will go on to compete for the state teacher of the year award," said Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Lisa Perry. "They will go before a panel of educators from out of the area, who will select the best representative."

During the board meeting, Fuller said she couldn't believe what she was hearing when Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Lisa Perry read her entry.

"When Mrs. Perry began to read my entry for an essay, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I couldn't believe that the essay she was reading was actually my own," Fuller said. "My mouth dropped and I whispered: ‘Oh. My. Goodness.' When she called my name, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I truly appreciate this opportunity and hope to make everyone proud."