The Rotary Club of Bristol VA-TN honored Bristol’s most outstanding public school teachers on Tuesday, April 15, during the 38th Annual Frank W. DeFriece, Jr. Teacher Awards celebration. Allyson Rutherford, library media specialist at Fairmount Elementary School, was named the 2025 Rotary Outstanding Teacher representing Bristol Tennessee City Schools.
Teachers from both Bristol Tennessee City Schools and Bristol Virginia Public Schools were nominated for this prestigious recognition, with one teacher selected from each district. Each school submitted a nomination packet, which was reviewed and scored by an anonymous panel of judges composed of educators and business professionals.
A passionate advocate for literacy, Rutherford is known for going beyond the status quo to instill a love of reading in students. One colleague shared, “The phrase ‘leave well enough alone’ is the opposite of Allyson’s approach as librarian. She is certainly not content with ‘well enough.’”
Over the last two school years, Rutherford led a major overhaul of Fairmount’s reading system, sparking increased enthusiasm and engagement among students. Since implementing the new program, book checkouts at Fairmount have increased by 40%. Students are eager to talk about what they’re reading and excited to visit the library. Behind the scenes, Rutherford dedicates countless hours to curating book selections, designing library displays, and producing videos to make every reading experience exceptional.
Another colleague described her as “enthusiasm, compassion, and joy in action,” and praised her ability to foster meaningful relationships, create a welcoming school culture, and model excellence in education. One student summed it up best in a letter: “I’m writing this letter because I want to tell you why you’re my favorite teacher. You love every one of our differences.”
"I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the Bristol Rotary Club—and honestly, a little speechless," Rutherford said. "So many of the teachers I’ve looked up to—some who were my own beloved teachers, and others who have been my colleagues—have received this award before me. To be counted among them is more than I ever expected. As teachers, we care deeply about building relationships and fostering a sense of community, and I owe so much to the people around me. This recognition also belongs to my colleagues and family, who always support my ideas, and to my students, who challenge me to grow every single day. I am grateful beyond words."
As part of the recognition, each winner received a $3,500 cash award, a $1,000 donation to support their school, and a circulating plaque that will be displayed at their school. All nominees also received a $500 award.
Other outstanding BTCS nominees included:
Gay Proffitt, Anderson Elementary
Christina Moody-Lawson, Avoca Elementary
Lori Evans, Haynesfield Elementary
Kendra Hale, Tennessee Middle School
Brad Morelock, Tennessee High School
Nicole Barrett, TOPS
Congratulations to Allyson Rutherford and all the BTCS nominees for their extraordinary dedication and impact on the lives of students.