Rainey receives the Sally Wilson Award Goodman Campus Automotive Technology instructor Derrick Rainey received one of the faculty's highest honors on April 30 during the Goodman Campus Awards and Honors Banquet – the Sally Wilson Distinguished Educator Award chosen by the student body from the Goodman Campus.
The Sally Wilson Distinguished Educator Award recognizes an outstanding educator from the Goodman Campus for his or her excellence in Phi Theta Kappa's hallmarks of fellowship, leadership, scholarship and service. The award, named for the Kappa Alpha's first and longtime advisor, the late Mrs. Sally Wilson, is based on the following criteria: the instructor encourages students to learn and enjoy the learning process through innovative teaching techniques; the instructor provides guidance, inspiration, support and motivation to students in and out of the classroom; and the instructor exemplifies honesty, integrity, excellence, dedication and leadership.
Rainey, a 1993 graduate of Canton High School, holds an associate of applied science degree in automotive technology from Holmes Community College as a member of the Toyota program. Rainey came to Holmes in 2007 after serving as a field manager for AutoVin, Inc. for four years, auto technician at Herrin-Gear Lexus of Jackson for two years and in the Madison County School District for three years as an automotive technology instructor.
He is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified in engine repair, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, engine performance and automotive service consultant. He is also an independent auto adjuster.
Rainey said he was in disbelief when he realized he was receiving the award.
"The first thing I thought was disbelief. 'Is this really me?' I was very shocked, very surprised," Rainey said. "It made me feel really good to know that somebody took notice of what I do and how you give and they recognize how you are giving. I try to stay consistent here and it means the world to me."
Rainey said he is at Holmes to serve the students.
"It's all about service. I feel an overwhelming obligation to serve each student," Rainey said. "That means being personable with each student because each student is different and then going above and beyond to make sure I can have a lasting impact while they are here. I want their experience here to be a lasting one, one where they will always reflect on their time at Holmes or their time with Mr. Rainey."
Since 2013, SkillsUSA students from the Goodman Campus have received four first place finishes in the state competition and one second. His groups have two third place finishes in the National SkillsUSA competitions in parliamentary procedure in 2013 and opening and closing in 2017.
"It is with great pleasure that I nominate Mr. Rainey for consideration for the 2018 Sally Wilson Distinguished Educator Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and tireless effort in addressing his students' needs to advance and be successful," read the nomination from Victoria Williams. "He is a fabulous employee of Holmes Community College and a huge asset to the Automotive Technology Department. Despite the overwhelming amount of workload at times Mr. Rainey consistently finds ways to help his co-workers and students around campus. His willingness to assist others and his commitment to educate is unequaled. Not once since I have been in Mr. Rainey's class have I heard one negative comment about him."
Goodman Campus Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Will Alexander works with Rainey in the Career-Technical Education Department at Holmes and was proud to recognize his co-worker. "Mr. Rainey embodies the four hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa: service, leadership, fellowship, scholarship. Mr. Rainey is by all means, a servant leader. He serves as a pastor, Automotive Technology instructor, and an advisor.
"Mr. Rainey finds himself in his true element when he's engaging students in small groups and one-on-one settings," he said. "He is a powerful and dynamic speaker who regularly gives presentations to various clubs and organizations all throughout the district of Holmes Community College on the subject of becoming an effective speaker. He has the ability to suck people in and make them feel they are the only person in the room, even amongst large crowds. His work ethic, desire for excellence, and love of people is what most notice about Mr. Rainey and is what he is known for amongst our students and faculty. He has coached several groups of SkillsUSA Officers to state and national titles in leadership competitions."
Rainey also serves as pastor of Trinity Worship Church in Jackson and is also a bass player in Yada, a jazz trio.
He and his wife, Janice, have two daughters, Leah and Mekayla, and one son, Gabriel. Mekayla was recently inducted into Phi Theta Kappa on the Ridgeland Campus.
