Mary Padgett, a teacher at Griffith Elementary, was recently named local Teacher of the Year by the Washington Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The award, which was given as part of Wal-Mart’s 12th annual Teacher of the Year program, comes in honor of National Teacher’s Day on Tuesday. Padgett received a $1,000 grant for Griffith Elementary, a $100 gift card to buy supplies for classroom supplies, a Teacher of the Year polo shirt and a personalized certificate.

Over the next few days, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates across the country are announcing the names of local teacher winners.

One teacher has been selected as a local winner by each Wal-Mart store, Sam’s Club, Neighborhood Market store and Wal-Mart Distribution Center.

Teachers were nominated by members of the community during February and selected by a committee of store or club associates.

Nationwide, more than 4,000 teachers are being honored by Wal-Mart’s Teacher of the Year program.

“The teachers in our area are superb,” said Wal-Mart Manager Kevin Maerkl. “The selection process was not an easy one, but we are happy to recognize Mary Padgett and share this great news with our community.”

The Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year recognition is part of a three-tiered program. All local winning teachers have the opportunity to apply for state Teacher of the Year honors to receive a $10,000 grant for their schools. Each state winner is automatically entered into the national competition. The one national winner, who is recognized in the fall, will receive an additional $25,000 education grant for a total of $36,000 to his or her school.

Since the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year program began in 1995, Wal-Mart has honored more than 25,000 teachers nationwide and donated more than $18.5 million to local schools. The company is one of the largest corporate supporters of teachers and education — last year alone giving more than $57 million in support of educational initiatives.