Outstanding Educators Recognized at Annual Excellence in Education Gala

The evening of Friday, February 27, 2026, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System held the Annual Excellence in Education Gala at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront. Teachers and Instructional Support personnel representing 56 SCCPSS schools and programs were honored at the event. One of five finalists in each of those categories was named the 2027 SCCPSS Teacher of the Year and the 2026 SCCPSS Instructional Support Person of the Year. In addition, the district named its 2027 Principal of the Year – selected from among three finalists revealed earlier this year who exemplify excellence in educational leadership.

The recognized educators are:

SCCPSS 2027 Teacher of the Year: Sam Sacks, STEAM Lab Teacher, New Hampstead K-8 School. Now in his seventh year in education, Mr. Sacks previously taught fourth and fifth grades, specializing in math and science. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and political science from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University. He also holds gifted and STEM endorsements. Sacks has served as a grade level chair, school leadership team member, and coach for multiple sports, including baseball, softball, and basketball. He has presented research at national conferences such as the International Society for Technology in Education and the Virginia Association of Science Teachers. In 2023, he contributed to district-wide curriculum revisions in response to Georgia’s changing math standards and recently collaborated with University of Georgia marine scientists through the Barrier Islands Research Lab to bring field-based science into his classroom.

SCCPSS 2027 Instructional Support Person of the Year: Lauren Evans, Academic Coach, Savannah-Chatham E-Learning Academy.  Ms. Evans began in the educational realm because she was inspired by her brother Nick, who has special needs. Her love for her brother has continually stoked her motivation and desire to help others achieve and encourage them in that success when the world has told them that they cannot and will not. In her role as Academic Coach, Ms. Evans serves as a liaison between school faculty and staff and administrators. In this position, she takes on many roles – including as a counselor, coach, mentor, supporter, listener, and advocate. Lauren says it is the best position she can imagine because by working with adults, you change instruction for students. Ms. Evans attended Mercer University, and after tutoring in a local Title I school, switched her pre-med major to English education. She went on to earn her Masters degree after teaching three years in a local private school, and finished her Specialist degree while teaching during the turnaround at Beach High.

SCCPSS 2027 Principal of the Year: Alonna McMullen, Hesse K-8 School. With 17 years of experience in education, including seven years as a principal in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Alonna McMullen is a dedicated instructional leader committed to student success and academic excellence. Guided by her motto, “Looking beyond the present and preparing for the future,” she prioritizes innovation, high-quality instruction, and a culture of continuous growth for both students and staff. Mrs. McMullen’s leadership has been recognized at the state level for advancing school achievement and fostering dynamic learning environments. In 2022, the Georgia Department of Education recognized her previous post – Heard Elementary School – for earning STEAM Certification, highlighting her commitment to interdisciplinary learning and student engagement. Additionally, under her leadership, Hesse K–8 School was recognized by the state as a Literacy and Math Leader School, reflecting strong academic outcomes and instructional practices.

The 2027 Teacher of the Year and Instructional Support Person of the Year will lead the Superintendent’s Professional Senate for Savannah-Chatham educators throughout the 2026-27 school year. Though the Principal of the Year and Instructional Support Person of the Year are district-level awards, the Teacher of the Year will become the District representative for the Georgia State Teacher of the Year program next year.