Caroline Ingle became a second-generation teacher of the year at Rockdale County Public Schools' Tuesday evening ceremony.

Ingle, a ninth grade teacher with Project Success at Heritage High School, is in her fourth year of teaching at Heritage but began her teaching career in south central Los Angeles. She attributed her success to all the teachers she had before, including her mother Carol Ingle, who was also a 1981 teacher of the year.

"It is an honor and a privilage like you don't even know to stand here," said Caroline Ingle, a 1994 Rockdale High School alum.

"I stand here because of Pine Street. I stand here because of Conyers Middle. I stand here because of Rockdale High School. i stand here because of Asbury College. I stand here because of a little school in south central and I stand here because of Heritage High School and the ninth grade academy and Project Success."

"There are millions of people who have raised me up. I am a product of this county. and everyday you have a classroom full of students with just as much promise."

After the ceremony, a giddy Caroline received hugs of contgratulations and said the award was an "overwhelming blessing."

"I have to thank my mother, who set the educational example," she said.

"I am so proud, so proud," said her mother, Carol Ingle, beaming.

All the teachers of the year were also honored on stage, including the other two finalists for Rockdale County teacher of the year, Susan Gray of the Magnet School at Rockdale County High School and Gretchen Gault at Hightower Elementary.

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