2015 Flame For Learning Award Banquet

"What greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?"

These profound words were uttered by the Christian Saint John Chrysostom in 400 A.D. And they are just as relevant today as they were 1600 years ago.
 
Because of the importance of teachers in developing and educating children, the Chambers of Commerce in Johnston County adopted the Flame For Learning Award.  In so doing, it has been the goal of the local chambers to support and elevate the teaching profession in the public schools. This award recognizes outstanding creativity and innovation in the classroom and nominees are selected strictly on merit, without regard to school or residence. The recipient of the award is named the Johnston County Teacher of the Year and will represent the Johnston County Public School System in the North Carolina Teacher of the Year competition.
 
Over 200 outstanding educators in the county were nominated for this prestigious award. Twenty of those teachers have been named semifinalists.  They are:
 
Megan Beck - Smithfield-Selma High
Ashley Blevins - Riverwood Elementary
Annah Creech - Clayton Middle
Evan Dempster - Clayton Middle
Sharon Glenn - Smithfield Middle
Kimberly Harkins - Clayton High
Kira Higgins - West Smithfield Elementary
Amy Hines - River Dell Elementary
Cynthia Hutchings - Smithfield-Selma High
Bethany Jones - Smithfield-Selma High
Janice Peacock - Corinth Holders High
Amanda Pierce - Riverwood Middle
Therese Polito - Smithfield-Selma High
Elizabeth Shepard - Corinth Holders High
Pamela Stich - Cooper Elementary
Greer Suggs - Clayton Middle
Malena Thieme - Riverwood Elementary
Valorie Trombley - Riverwood Elementary
Helen Westbrook - North Johnston High
Marisa Wiggins - Meadow School

These 20 semifinalists and the 180+ other teachers who were nominated for the award have had a profound, positive impact on the children of one or more of our Chamber members or their employees.  Johnston County is fortunate to have them.
 
This program requires sponsorship dollars, much of which is given to the semifinalists in the form of prize money and recognition plaques.  There is also a celebratory banquet on April 28 at 6 pm at the Johnston County Agricultural center. Rev. Lee Colbert, First Baptist Church of Smithfield, will be the featured speaker. Attached is a sponsor form, which we ask that you review and return to us.  All sponsors will receive tickets to the banquet and will be recognized for their support of teaching in Johnston County. If you have questions, please let me know. Thank you for your interest in teachers as the true professionals that they exhibit each day in the classroom.
 
We look forward to receiving your sponsorship!

2015 Flame for Learning Sponsorships