WEST PALM BEACH – The school marching band, students, facility, community members, family and friends gathered at Bear Lakes Middle School as the Media Center was dedicated to long time educator Betty Wells.
School Board Chairman Chuck Shaw, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Superintendent Wayne Gent, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, West Palm Beach City Commissioners Sylvia Moffett and Isaac Robinson joined Principal Dr. Kirk Howell in unveiling the Betty Lou McCray-Wells Media Center.
“Ms. Wells has been inspiring students for 43 years. It’s time to acknowledge the great educators we have when they are here to enjoy the celebration,” said Howell. “Ms. Wells inspires me and the entire Bear Lakes staff and student body each and every day. She is a great educator.”
Wells has been a teacher in the school district for 43 years, starting on Aug. 25, 1971 at Military Trail Elementary in West Palm Beach.
In 1989 she transferred to the newly opened Bear Lakes Middle School and has been teaching mathematics there ever since.
“I love what I do. I love teaching and I do the best job I can every day,” said Wells. “The most meaningful learning takes place when both, the teacher and students are motivated, interested and involved in reaching the same goal.”
Born in West Palm Beach, Wells attended Palmview Elementary, Roosevelt High School, Palm Beach Community College, Florida Atlantic University and Nova University.
In 1996 she was named “Teacher of the Year for Middle School Math in Palm Beach County.”
A passionate educator, Wells was recognized as an Educational Honoree Award Recipient of Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Wells was also named as an Unsung Hero in Education by the Black Caucus Organization and recently recognized by the Zeta Phi Beta sorority as its Woman of the Year.
Over the years, Ms Wells has organized and implemented tutorial sessions for many students, assisted in school plays, mentored new teachers and served as a big sister to young people in the community. She has also worked as a meal volunteer for many of the senior citizens in our community and provided rides to serve senior citizens.
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