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Without that emotional and social support, some students
would never pay attention to the academic part.”
But in 2015, just two years after returning to teaching, Jones
received more devastating news. The cancer had returned, this
time as a spot on her left lung. Finding it early in its growth,
doctors were able to remove it, after which Jones had to
undergo six months of chemotherapy treatments.
“The second diagnosis was crushing,” she said. “However, I
learned so much from the first time around, I just thought there
was something else I needed to do or learn. I truly believe God
is in control and has a plan for me. My prayer is that I use my
second shot to do what God wants me to do.”
And taking full advantage of her second chance is exactly what
Jones is doing. In fact, as a result of her courageous battle
with cancer, her remarkable return to the classroom, and above
all the impact she has on her students, who now call her “a
fighter” and “a hero,” Jones was recently named the 2016
Teacher of the Year for southwest Virginia and
southern West Virginia. Dozens of teachers
from secondary schools across the region
were nominated for the prestigious
award, sponsored by the
Bluefield Daily
Telegraph
and Cole Chevrolet of
Bluefield, West Virginia. Two
Bluefield College grads, Jones
and 2012 BC alumnus Ethan
Lewis, another fourth grade
teacher at Graham Intermediate
School, were among the finalists
for the honor, but Jones stood out as
the most deserving.
“I feel very blessed,” she said about being selected Teacher
of the Year. “I love teaching. I enjoy it. I truly feel that teaching
is what I have been called to do. I cannot imagine doing
anything else with my life.”
Cancer free and back in the classroom, hopefully for good this
time, Jones said that not all days are easy as she continues to
recover from the disease. She admitted that she sometimes
gets nervous about “every little ache and pain” and the
possibility of a reoccurrence. But, she added, she has “an
amazing support system” in her family, friends and particularly
her husband, Jamie, who she said has been her “rock” with his
optimism, encouragement and faith.
“Somehow, and I don’t understand it, but my battle with
cancer and my overcoming it, has a purpose for God’s
glory,” said Jones. “I might never realize what it is,
but I know there is a reason. My prayer is that with
my second chance at life I can make an impact in my
students’ lives. I hope I can teach them to overcome their
struggles and see God’s love in what I do.”
“Somehow... my battle
with cancer and my
overcoming it has a
purpose for God’s glory.”
-Sarah Cordill Jones
Sarah Cordill
Jones,
teaching and
doing what
she loves
most after
two bouts
with cancer.