Exceptional Teachers Honored by Colorado Springs North Stake
Contributed By Peggy Kinnaird, Church News contributor
Students and teachers of Lewis Palmer High School, located in Monument, Colorado, gather at the podium as graduating senior Billy Cook reads a tribute to their exiting principal, Sandi Brandl, during “A Night of Recognition for Exceptional Teachers” at the Colorado Springs North Stake Center on April 28, 2017.
“Our teachers have a compass and their compass is the kids.” —Karen Brofft, district superintendent
Students nominated top teachers for a brass apple award at “A Night of Recognition for Exceptional Teachers” on April 28 in the Colorado Springs North Stake.
Graduating seniors selected 33 teachers from school districts 20 and 38 in El Paso County, Colorado. The seniors picked their favorite teachers who had influenced them the most over their 12 years of education.
Those honored included math, Spanish, piano, and choir teachers, along with tennis and wrestling coaches. One student nominated her mother, who was her homeschool teacher.
Each student was required to write a 100-word tribute expressing the reasons why their chosen teacher had made such a difference in their lives.
Karen Brofft, superintendent of Lewis-Palmer School District 38, congratulated each teacher for his or her nomination.
“Our teachers have a compass and their compass is the kids,” she said.
The annual event originated in 2016 in conjunction with Academy School District 20’s Teacher Appreciation Week.
Kevin Woodward, president of the Colorado Springs North Stake, spoke to the teachers, saying, “May you continually enjoy the blessings of heaven in the vital service that you render as inspirational and impactful educators.”
Karen Brofft, superintendent of Lewis-Palmer School District 38, in Monument, Colorado, addresses the 33 teachers who were recognized and nominated by their students. Photo by Bryan Rasmussen.
Sandra Sparrow, math teacher at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, embraces her student Kelsey Barkdull, a graduating senior, after hearing a touching 100-word tribute that recognized Sparrow as her favorite teacher. Photo by Bryan Rasmussen.
Deb Thompson, AP biology teacher at Lewis Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado, is taken aback by the tribute written by her student Ryan Summerhays. Photo by Bryan Rasmussen.
John Frederick, Spanish teacher at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, enjoys listening to the tribute written by his student Aaron Olivas. Photo by Bryan Rasmussen.
James Williams, history teacher at Palmer Ridge High School in Monument, Colorado, shows his appreciation to his student Sarina Betts. Photo by Bryan Rasmussen.
Lisa Garrelts, P.E. teacher at Discovery Canyon High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, hugs her student Kirsten Petersen, a graduating senior. Photo by Bryan Rasmussen.
