Scotland's Teacher of the Year will represent the region in the state's Teacher of the Year.

Amber Watkins, a social studies teacher at Scotland Early College High School and, was officially named the Sandhills/South Central Region 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year.

She will represent the region in Raleigh against seven others from across North Carolina. The announcement of the state's teacher of the year will be made May 5.

The presentation was made at the end of a Black History Month event at Richmond Community College's Cole Auditorium. The announcement,was made by 2009-2010 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Jessica Garner.

"I am honored to be able to represent the students first and foremost, and the staff and all the teachers in the region, especially Scotland County, which I am proud to say is my county," said Watkins, who cried. "It is an honor and I hope I will be able to provide a voice for the Sandhills/South Central Region that will make change and that will represent all the hardwork the teachers of this region do on a daily basis."

To Watkins, it was a complete surprise, though some had guessed before hand that something was going on. It is not everyday that Superintendent June Atkinson travels down to the area for a program.

Others were tipped off prior to the event about the announcement, including family members who stepped out on stage to congratulate her.

"It's a great honor for Scotland County and Scotland Early College," said Watkins' principal, Billy Storms.

"I know for Amber Watkins and her family, for receiving the Regional Teacher of the Year Award, it could not go for a better deserving person. She is great in the classroom, but ultimately she is great person who wants to give back to her community and the students we serve in Scotland County."

School board Vice-Chairman Mary Evans and board member Charles Brown were also present for the announcement.

"I am really excited," Evans said. "I think it is just great. I don't think there is a more deserving person because she really cares about the children. She works hard to engage them and to the teaching and getting them ready for the global world."

Brown, who, like Atkinson had just met Watkins, also felt strongly about her achievement.

"From her experiences and from her graduating from Scotland High in 2001 and going on to college and taking on the task of teaching at the Early College, she is well qualified to be the person to represent this region on the next level," Brown said. "I am glad to be a part of seeing her have this experience and being selected."

Watkins will get a cash prize, professional development opportunities and serve on several state level committees.