Join us as we celebrate Johnston County's top teachers at the 25th Annual Flame for Learning Award Banquet on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Ross Renfrow
Superintendent
Johnston County Public Schools
"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.
Two hundred fifty-eight outstanding educators in the county were nominated for this prestigious award. Twenty of those teachers have been named semifinalists. They are:
Kelly Bradshaw- South Johnston High
Alexandra Canady- Powhatan Elementary
LiAnn Cheong- Riverwood Elementary
Lindsey Dotzel- South Johnston High School
Tracy Finch- Riverwood Middle
Erin Haskins- Riverwood Middle
Gardner Johnson- Innovation Academy
Bethany Jones- Smithfield-Selma High School
Morgan Jones- Micro Elementary
Jennifer Medlin- Riverwood Elementary
Danielle Reichard- Powhatan Elementary
Mary Catherine Roberts- Powhatan Elementary
Tinkia Ruffin- Selma Middle School
Christina Nait Saidi- Wilson's Mills Elementary
Lori Sharpe- McGee's Crossroads Elementary
Stacey Sharron- Riverwood Elementary
Kimberly Smith- Riverwood Elementary
Jennifer Thorne- Clayton Middle School
Brian VanDerlaske- West Johnston High School
Allen Williams- West Johnston High
These 20 semifinalists and the 238 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.
Consider being a sponsor:
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 24 at 6 pm.
Attached is a sponsor form, which we ask that you review and return to us or register online. 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!
2018 Flame for Learning Sponsorships

Date and Time
Tuesday Apr 24, 2018
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission
$32 per person (includes dinner)
Sponsorships Available:
These sponsorships help provide the prize money that is distributed to the 20 teachers recognized at the banquet.
Contact Information
919.934.9166
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