2013 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.
 
Nearly 400 outstanding educators in the county were nominated for this prestigious award. Twenty of those teachers have been named semifinalists.  They are:
 

Patsy Elrod, Wilson's Mills Elementary
Shannon Pawlak, Riverwood Elementary
Karen Collins, West Johnston High
Kelly Davis, Benson Elementary
Joseph Smith, Smithfield -Selma High
Christa Joy, East Clayton Elementary
Lauren Sabo, Clayton Middle
Donna Hawkins, Smithfield Middle
Kali Shuford, Meadow Elementary
Michelle Disney, Glendale Kenly Elementary
Sarah Lilley, West Clayton Elementary
Courtneay Overbee, Corinth Holders High
Brittany Taylor,  Johnston County Middle College High
Bethany Jones, Smithfield -Selma High
Laura Jefferson, McGee's Crossroads Elementary
Rebecca Kimble, Archer Lodge Middle
Tamara Adams, West Smithfield Elementary
Jennifer Roberts, Four Oaks Elementary
Courtney Renfrow, West Smithfield Elementary
Joshua Beck, Clayton High

The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of the fact that seven of the semifinalists teach at schools that are members of our Chamber. Just as important is the knowledge that all 20 semifinalists and the 380 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.
 
This program requires sponsorship dollars, much of which is given to the 20 semifinalists in the form of prize money and recognition plaques.  There is also a celebratory banquet on April 30 at 6 pm at the Johnston County Agricultural center. Former Johnston County School Superintendent Dr. Jim Causby 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!