Teachers Change Lives, One Student At A Time Tuesday, November 01, 2011 By Senior Katelyn Reasoner Business Teacher Meagan Noble teachers her students the importance of business in daily life. - Katelyn Reasoner Advertising In life, there are certain people that will do little things that mean more than anything. These little things can make us into the people we are meant to be, whether it builds you up or tears you down. Some people are monumental in life. You may remember a second grade teacher who wouldn’t let you give up or it may be a high school teacher who pushed you to be the best you could possibly be. What is the best part, you ask? These people probably never gave it a second thought, because it’s who they are and they don’t look for recognition. The Stephen Sondheim Teaching Award is an award given in honor of playwright Stephen Sondheim and is given specifically to those teachers who have made an impact in the lives of the students they associate with. This award publicly recognizes and awards the teachers to show the world’s appreciation of the giving attitude. “In everyone’s life there is at least one special teacher that they remember. This award is an important way to reward teachers who went above and beyond and to influenced someone’s life,” said Amanda Hunter, Senior Press Agent for the Kennedy Center. Technology today has the made of process of solicitation very easy; The Kennedy Center posts information via social networks, paper, even public announcements. On that same thought, nominators can choose many different aspects to show their appreciation. The Kennedy Center will accept video, audio, or even just written nominations. No professional touch is needed, just raw emotion. The submitted material must give details of a specific time the teacher made an impact on the nominators life.   Cameron High School has never had a winner, but many teachers have shown the compassion that has won several other teachers the award.  “I wish there was some fair way to pick, but there really isn’t. I think I have the best group of teachers in Missouri. They are hard working, honest, fair, and caring. I do feel we need to find ways to honor good teaching, but no one has come up with a good system yet in my book,” said Principal Don Gerber. The world may be a huge a place, but the number of awards given soley depends on how many worthy applications The Kennedy Center receives. On March 22, 2011, Stephen Sondheim’s birthday, this years winners will be publicly announced. They will receive a certificate and a $10,000 check to spend on whatever they please. Being an award for teachers off all subjects, the Kennedy Center receives many nominations; however, only a lucky few will receive the award. Nominees have guidelines that must be followed. For more information on rules and regulations, please visit the Kennedy Center website. Teachers are one of the lowest paid occupations, and the fact that they give their heart and soul to make sure that students are the best they can be is more than extraordinary. A simple thank you would mean the world, but make that extra step and show them how much you really appreciate them.

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