EVANS, Ga. - One teacher in Columbia County has been tapped as the top of her class. Michele Rigsby, of Bel-Air Elementary School, has been named Columbia County's teacher of the year.

She has been teaching for eight years and attended Augusta State University. Rigsby says while in college she learned the three R’s that have really set her apart as a teacher. Not reading writing and arithmetic but relevance, rigor and relationships.

“The last R, that's the biggest for me. I think that probably sets me apart because I want to get to know them and build a relationship,” said Rigsby.

Along with her title Rigsby will received a one year lease on a Mercedes Benz with free insurance and a $1000 dollar gas card as well as $500 and a gift bag.