Some stories just feel meant for February. This year, Murray County Schools celebrates a story of sisterhood, service, and heart as sisters Sloane Singleton and Sydnee Epperson-Higdon were both named Teacher of the Year at their schools, with Sloane going on to earn the district title.
Sloane teaches music at Northwest Elementary, where she fills her classroom with creativity, joy, and encouragement. Sydnee teaches math at Bagley Middle School, where she works daily to help students build confidence in a subject that many find challenging. Though their content areas are different, their passion for students and commitment to education are beautifully aligned.
“We aren’t twins, but everyone always thinks we are,” they shared. “We still borrow each other’s clothes and shoes, and our group text with our mom is non stop. Our relationship just keeps getting sweeter with time.”
Though their paths into teaching were different, both found themselves exactly where they were meant to be — serving students in the same school system that raised them.
Sydnee discovered her passion for teaching after helping a close friend recover from a serious accident in high school. That experience led her to pray about her future, and she felt God gently nudge her toward teaching. Sloane’s journey began when the college program she originally pursued was discontinued, leading her into education — a decision that became a calling she now couldn’t imagine leaving.
“Teaching in Murray County is our way of giving back to the school system that cultivated our love of learning,” they shared. “We now get to teach alongside the very teachers who shaped us — our childhood heroes.”
They specifically credit Robin Baggett, Roger Rainey, Tim Howard, Rachel Adams, and Renda Baggett for helping shape their philosophy of education and inspiring the educators they’ve become.
Their support for one another goes far beyond the classroom.
“We show up for each other — at concerts, games, ceremonies, and school events,” they said. “It’s such a gift to have someone who truly understands your work, who can share ideas, resources, and even listen on the hard days.”
Both sisters were shocked to be named Teacher of the Year at their schools.
“What are the odds of that?!” they laughed. “It’s been an incredible experience to share — even if it only took Sloane nine years and took Sydnee sixteen!”
When Sloane was named the district Teacher of the Year, the moment was filled with pride, emotion, and a little family humor.
“It was such a special moment to watch my sister receive this honor,” Sydnee said. “I know how hard she works and how much love and support she pours into her students. I’ll happily be her #2.”
Sloane added, “I was so thankful to have my sister there to hug — I didn’t want to pass out! I was thrilled to win, but also wondering if my sister was going to hit me upside the head with a frying pan!”
At the heart of their work is a shared belief in creating classrooms where students feel safe, supported, and confident.
Sydnee hopes her students leave her classroom feeling empowered, especially in math — knowing they are capable of more than they think.
Sloane hopes her students feel loved, believing that when students know they are cared for, learning becomes meaningful.
Their faith plays an important role in their lives and teaching. “Jesus is our foundation,” they shared. “We strive to show His love to our students through the way we carry ourselves and the passion we have for our content areas.”
Their family has also been a constant source of encouragement — from volunteering during Read Across America Week and helping fund classroom needs, to supporting students through Secret Santa and school events.
As for how this experience feels?
“Unbelievable. Once in a lifetime. How sweet it is.”
From celebrating in Disney World to taking a family cruise — complete with buttons to prove it — their family has treasured every moment.
In a season centered on love, Murray County Schools is proud to celebrate a different kind of love — the bond between two sisters who support one another, serve their students with heart, and remind us all what it means to give back.
