Teacher of Year banquet set for Tuesday at civic center
More than 130 nominated, with 19 semifinalists
Teacher “super heroes” will gather en mass at the Yuma Civic Center on Tuesday evening (capes and wings optional).
The Yuma County Teacher of the Year banquet and the annual induction of honorees into the Yuma County Education Hall of Fame will kick off with the doors opening at 5 p.m. Dinner is to be served at 6 p.m. and tickets are required.
The event, now in its 31st year, is hosted by the Education Foundation of Yuma County and Rotary Clubs of Yuma County. The awards started in 1988.
“We are recognizing and celebrating teachers,” San Luis High School Principal and Education Foundation President Frank Nunez said. “We have been doing this for more than 30 years, and it is always a great night to bring everyone in Yuma County together and celebrate education.”
Awards are given in seven main educator categories: firstyear teachers, primary grades (K-3), intermediate (4-6), junior high/middle school (7th-8th), high school, special area (K-6) and an overall winner.
Five Yuma Countians will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. They include Dr. Robert Cannell, being honored with the Founder’s Award. Janet Sandberg Shields will received the Professional Educator Award. Veronica Shorr is to be honored with the Francis Woodard Award. Luis Marquez will be recognized with the Special Achievement honor, and Tom Wilson, the keynote speaker, will receive the Estelle Dingess Award.
More than 130 teachers were nominated this year for the annual award bestowed by the Education Foundation of Yuma County and Yuma’s Rotary Clubs. The foundation is also supported by local businesses.
Ticket availability was unknown as of press deadline. Those interested in attending may contact the Yuma County Superintendent’s Office, 210 1st Ave.
Last year’s overall winner was Jessica Casey from Gowan Science Academy. Ashley Aitken of Yuma High was the 2017 firstyear teacher of the year and Joe Daily from Gila Ridge was named 2017 high school teacher of the year.