By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Thompson Intermediate School fifth-grade teacher Shay Traywick’s positive attitude and willingness to “go above and beyond” led to her recognition as the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club’s Teacher of the Month for April.

During the club’s April 3 lunch at Shelby Baptist Medical Center, TIS Principal Dr. Ke Jones praised Traywick for having an impact on students’ lives, and for staying overnight with several of her colleagues during the January snowstorm.

“Shay is one of many wonderful teachers we have at TIS,” Jones said, noting she has worked with Traywick for about three years. “In the short time she’s been at TIS, she has impacted so many lives.

“She goes above and beyond not only with the students, but also with the staff,” Jones said, noting Traywick also is the TIS Teacher of the Year.

After a fire damaged the Uptown Apartments in downtown Birmingham in December 2013, Traywick worked to organize a donation drive at her church to benefit those affected by the blaze.

Traywick praised her coworkers while accepting the Rotary Club’s award and classroom donation.

“I am only as good as the people around me at TIS,” Traywick said. “We have an enormous opportunity each and every day to make an impact on hundreds of children’s lives.”