Barbecue for Teacher of Year nominees
Teachers work hard year-round to educate future generations, and the time has arrived again to recognize the Teacher of the Year.
The Education Foundation of Yuma County and the Rotary Clubs of Yuma County will honor the 2010 Teacher of the Year nominees at a barbecue Monday.
The barbecue takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Britain's Farm Chuckwagon and Steakhouse, 4330 W. Riverside Drive, noted Michelle Umbower, Teacher of the Year chairwoman and Yuma Rotary Club member.
"It's exciting to recognize all 123 nominees. This is the 23rd year we've made the Teacher of the Year selection and I'm proud to be part of the process."
After the barbecue, the nominee field will be winnowed down to 15 finalists, three in each category. Finalists need time to prepare a video presentation to submit explaining why they are so passionate about teaching.
More than 800 educators are anticipated for the Teacher of the Year recognition on April 20 at the Yuma Civic Center.
In past years, the winning candidate has received three free credit hours for continuing education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma, a $1,000 gift certificate card from Best Buy donated by Time Warner, a Paul Harris Fellow donated by the Yuma Rotary Club, a trip to Hawaii for two donated by Yuma Investment Group Wealth Management and a commemorative trophy.
Rotary clubs are instrumental in the huge process of hand-selecting nominees, Umbower said.
"I'd like to thank the Rotarys and each of the schools for all they've done to facilitate the process. It's all building for the big night for Teacher of the Year."
