Veteran educator and incoming Headmaster Tony Tanner kicked off the new school year this week with three new faculty members joining the ranks at Piedmont Academy. Tanner retired from 30 years from Jasper County Public Schools in June. Being a resident of Jasper County for 30 years and an administrator in education for three decades, he was able to fill the shoes as headmaster with ease and confidence.

Kelli Fain, the school’s new guidance counselor, received her masters in counseling from West Georgia College and State University. She will assume guidance, counseling and high school teaching duties for the coming year.

Helen Michel will be teaching the middle school grades. Michel holds a certificate in middle school English and social studies with a bachelor’s degree from West Georgia College and State University.

Josh Daher, holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Polytechnic University and will be teaching middle school science. In addition, Daher will coach the school’s varsity boy’s basketball team as well as assist with middle school football.

Piedmont parent Alison Hildebrant will be joining the cafeteria staff as a full-time employee. She has been a regular substitute teacher for several years and has assisted the cafeteria staff when needed.