By Steve Steiner
Managing Editor
editor@elkintribune.com

It has been a very busy time for Elkin High School physical education teacher Tony Duncan, who is also an assistant football coach and the school's athletic director. Over the course of the past two weeks, Duncan has been recognized not once, but twice by his peers and his students.

"Last week I was awarded a coaches award at a regional meeting in North Wilkesboro of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association," Duncan said.

That award wasn't too much of a surprise, Duncan said, because he had been notified he would be receiving an award. However, the award to be presented him Monday did catch him off-guard when he learned about it.

"It was last Friday and the principal, Mark Byrd, told me," Duncan said.

The award received Monday was from Wal-Mart.

"We have a program called Teacher of the Year, in which the students nominate their teachers," said Kayre Williams. "It's not just Elkin, but the entire region."

The students write in and explain why they believe a certain teacher deserves the recognition.

"There were other teachers, but he (Duncan) had the most votes," said Darlene Galigo, an assistant manager at Wal-Mart.

Because he was elected teacher of the year, Elkin High School will receive a check for $1,000. Duncan will receive a gift card valued at $100.

"It will come in handy for much needed school supplies," Duncan said.

Duncan's selection as teacher of the year found much favor with the school principal.

"We teachers and staff members recognize the contribution Tony Duncan makes," he said. "But it's special when the students recognize a teacher. I think it's neat for the community to recognize him.