Indian Creek Middle School's Kenneth Hanson was named the Newton County School System's 2015 Teacher of the Year Thursday.

Hanson has been a teacher at Indian Creek throughout his entire career, starting as a history teacher in 2007. He is still a history teacher to this day.

Hanson has participated in programs such as Hands on Atlanta and Clark Howard’s Habitat for Humanity each year. He has organized and conducted youth summer camps each year and volunteers his time to feed the homeless and visit nursing homes, along with being very active in his local church.

By winning the Teacher of the Year award, Hanson will receive $1,000 a $500 gift card to Kroger, a crystal vase and a three-month rental of a 2014 Ford Fusion from Covington Ford.

"I don't do it for the money," Hanson said. "I don't do it for the awards and recognition, I teach to make a difference." 

The other two finalists for the 2015 honor were Heather Fuller of Newton College and Career Academy and Chris Williams of Newotn High School.

All 23 Teachers of the Year from each school in the system were honored at the 2015 Teacher of the Year Reception, held at Newton High School.