Wilson Teacher of the Year Nominees Announced

Lebanon, Tennessee (March 12, 2009) — Organizers of the annual Wilson County Teacher of the Year program have announced the nominees for Wilson County Teacher of the Year. The winner will be honored at the 11th Annual Teacher of the Year banquet and ceremony on Friday, April 17, 2009 in Baird Chapel on the campus of Cumberland University.

The Teacher of the Year program began almost fourteen years ago under the direction of W.P. Bone, III, owner of Wilson County Chevrolet-Buick, and Bob McDonald, President, CedarStone Bank. Each school elects its own “teacher of the year” from its faculty; nominees are chosen by their peers. Those twenty-eight teachers then complete self-evaluation packets, providing the information for the final judging. Past winners of the award meet with those nominees and go over the criteria processing materials, which proves to be a great learning experience for all those involved. An anonymous panel of Cumberland University faculty members then selects the Wilson County Teacher of the Year.

Many people play an important role in making the program successful, including members of business and government, school principals, school administrators and the Chambers of Commerce from Lebanon, Mt. Juliet and Watertown. Community leaders throughout the area are on hand during the awards banquet to show their support and gratitude.

“Education is the most important factor in the success of a community,” said W.P. Bone III. “It is fitting that we recognize and congratulate those professionals to whom we entrust the futures of our children.”

“This is a fantastic program,” commented Bob McDonald, “and we at CedarStone Bank are proud to be a part of it. It is wonderful to see our teachers be acknowledged and rewarded for the fine job they do.”

Those receiving Teacher of the Year awards from their schools this year include:

MARY-MARGARET FARRIS
Byars-Dowdy Elementary School

ERIN HAILEY
Carroll-Oakland Elementary School

DORETHA WRIGHT
Castle Heights Upper Elementary School

JERETT CUSHING
Coles Ferry Elementary School

KRISTIN CUMMINGS
Elzie D. Patton Elementary School

BOB KING
Friendship Christian School

WENDI CATHEY
Gladeville Elementary School

SUZI GREGORY
Lakeview Elementary School

CARRIE PFEIFFER
Lebanon High School

JASON DUNN
MAP Academy

KARLA THOMPSON
McClain Christian Academy