May 14, 2007 12:53 pm
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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.
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Photos
Washington Wal-Mart manager Kevin Maerkl visited Griffith Elementary recently to present Griffith second teacher Mary Padgett with the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award.
Pictured with Maerkl and Padgett are her students, including in front (from left) Douglas Heidenreich, Addie Oakes, Lakeysha Sullivan, Jacob Cannon, Jackie Donaldson, Sam Smith, Lillie Harmon and Rachelle Erwin. Middle row: Anna Stroud, Gunner Bruce, Jessica Basham, Devonte Schnarr and Mallory Heller.