Latest news with #2025TeachersoftheYear
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alameda County Office of Education names 18 ‘Teachers of the Year' for 2025
(KRON) — The Alameda County Office of Education is honoring 18 public school teachers who were selected as '2025 Teachers of the Year.' ACOE serves as liaison between the California Department of Education and 18 public school districts with more than 215,000 students and 12,000 honorees are being recognized for their individual dedication and excellence in the classroom this school year. 'I am deeply inspired everyday by our educators who work tirelessly in service of our students,' said Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Alysse Castro. 'I am very excited to recognize this year's Teachers of the Year, and uplift their hard work and dedication.' An awards ceremony will be held in September at Hayward Performing Arts Center. Esperanza Jimenez: Valley View Elementary School, 5th Grade Dual Language Immersion, Pleasanton Unified School District Krista Toumi: Roosevelt Middle School, 6th Grade Science, Oakland Unified School District Michael Kramer Wong: Paden Elementary School, 4th & 5th Grades, Alameda Unified School District Nickoletta 'Nicky' Dalby: Jensen Ranch Elementary School, 2nd & 3rd Grades, Castro Valley Unified School District Joy Sherratt: Emerald High School, 9th Grade Health, Dublin Unified School District Sandor Verstrepen: Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School, 8th Grade Physical Education, New Haven Unified School District Arlene Cordero: Newark Middle School, 6-8th Grade Special Education Arthur Hogenauer: Butler Academic Center, 9-12th Grades, Alameda County Office of Education Alyssa Kronick: Oakland International High School, 9-12th Grade Literacy/English Language Development Selina Mandel: Arroyo High School 9-12th Grade Science, San Lorenzo Unified School District Maria De La Fuente Moreno: Esperanza Elementary School, 3rd Grade Dual Immersion, Oakland Unified School District Shelley Matek: Dublin High School and Foothill High School, 11-12th Grade Developmental Psychology of Children John Thayer: Granada High School, 9-12th Grade English Language Development/Math, Livermore Unified School District Elana Siegel: Emery High School, 10-12th Grade World History, Emery Unified School District Varsha Jayadevan: Hopkins Middle School Special Day Class, Special Education, Fremont Unified School District Lori Suydam: Park Elementary School, 1st Grade, Hayward Unified School District Cindy Barry: Robertson High School, 9-12th Grade Business and Professional Development, Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program Rhonda Turner: Jefferson Elementary School 4th Grade, San Leandro Unified School District (Photos courtesy Alameda County Office of Education) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Laurel school board awards bids, recognizes Chamber Teachers of the Year
The Laurel County Board of Education approved bids for fuel and athletic supplies for the upcoming school year at its regular meeting Monday evening. Superintendent Denise Griebel recommended awarding the gas and diesel bid to Premier Energy, which submitted the lowest margin bid of .015 for both fuel types, which the board approved. As for athletic supplies, the bid was awarded to BSN. Both bids passed unanimously. Board members also approved two memoranda of agreement — the first being for the traditional Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy grant for fiscal year 2026. The district serves as the fiscal agent for the local ASAP board and has done so for several years. This agreement follows an earlier approval for the ASAP HARM grant MOA in April. The second MOA is with the Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children (KECSAC) for Laurel County Day Treatment for the 2025–2026 school year. The partnership between KECSAC, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the district is renewed annually. The board additionally voted to continue with Cumberland Valley National Bank as the district's bond of depository for the 2025–2026 school year. Superintendent Denise Griebel said the bank has served the district well. The motion passed with one abstention by Board Chair Tony Krahenbuhl. The board then went on to approve the 2024–2025 Independent Auditor's Contract with Cloyd & Associates, PSC. Superintendent Griebel said the firm has consistently demonstrated professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness in its work with the district. The board also recognized three standout educators at the meeting, as the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2025 Teachers of the Year. The awards, based on nominations from students and parents, honor teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication in the classroom. Bridgett McWhorter, a third-grade teacher at Bush Elementary, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year. She is retiring this school year after 28 years of service. Tonya Allen, a science teacher at North Laurel Middle School, was named Middle School Teacher of the Year. Allen has taught at North Middle for her full 21-year career. Mary King, who teaches Family and Consumer Science at South Laurel High School, was named High School Teacher of the Year. She is also retiring this year, closing out a 25-year career. Architects Ray J. Vaskey and David Jackson provided an update on the district's auxiliary gym projects at North and South Laurel high schools. At South, masonry work is progressing around the perimeter, including training and weight room areas. Interior framing is underway for locker rooms, offices, and restrooms. Plumbing is also in progress, with the roof already complete. Crews are preparing for exterior panel and brick installation. At North Laurel, block work is ongoing around structural columns and locker room areas. Crews are preparing the front entrance and restroom section. The layout includes space for a basketball court, turf area, training rooms, weight room, and golf simulator. Despite recent weather delays, both projects are moving forward. Further, the board approved the BG-4 closeout document for the Laurel County Day Treatment gym roof replacement. Danny Bishop, Physical Plant Director, noted the roof was replaced several months ago and the project was completed on budget. The BG-4 is part of the required closeout process, with a BG-5 to follow. Griebel also acknowledged that Kentucky Summative Assessments (KSA) are underway. Attendance for the day was nearly 94%, with some schools reporting 96–97%, a strong showing during the testing period. The Laurel County Board of Education meets at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. To watch livestreams of the meetings, visit
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chamber of Commerce hosts annual banquet recognizing businesses, teachers
The London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce saw over 380 attendees at its 2025 annual banquet, held April 15, at the London Community Center. Sponsored by CHI Saint Joseph Health and catered by Local Honey, the banquet highlighted the chamber's accomplishments over the past year, and recognized both individuals and organizations that positively impacted the community. The evening opened with a video recap produced by Michael Sliter of Hotwire Productions, showcasing the chamber's 2024 accomplishments — including 23 ribbon cutting ceremonies and the addition of 66 new chamber members. The chamber went on to announce its choices for the Business of the Year awards. AISIN Automotive Casting, LLC was named Large Business of the Year; Katee Loftis Collett State Farm received Small Business of the Year; and Domestic Violence Services earned Non-Profit of the Year. The chamber also presented the 2025 Teachers of the Year. Bridgett McWhorter of Bush Elementary was recognized for 28 years of dedication to her students and school community; Tonya Allen of North Laurel Middle School was praised for her engaging and positive learning environment; and Mary King of South Laurel High School was honored for contributing over two decades of work to Family and Consumer Sciences, as well as her impact as a coach and mentor. Each teacher received a $1,000 check, sponsored by Laurel County Farm Bureau. In addition to these awards, the Ambassador of the Year was introduced. The inaugural recipient of the award was Keyla Stubblefield of The Job Shop Staffing Services due to her dedication and commitment to her work. Chamber CEO Deanna Herrmann recognized sponsors and committee chairs, and introduced the 2025 officers. Donna Gregorich of Century 21 Advantage Realty is serving as the chamber's president — the role previously filled by Scott Webster of Tooms, Dunaway & Webster. Although Webster was not in attendance, he was recognized with a plaque for his time as immediate past president. Gregorich will be joined by Kyle Gray of WB Transport, LLC as president-elect, Donevon Storm of Kentucky Farm Bureau as vice president, Sharon Benge of Benge Farm Supply as secretary, and Ward Stokes of Cumberland Valley National Bank & Trust as treasurer. Directors continuing or joining the board include representatives from Minuteman Press, Jackson Energy Cooperative, Laurel Grocery Company, Legacy Nissan, JBK Commercial Roofing, CHI Saint Joseph London, and AISIN Automotive Casting, LLC. Committee chairs were also recognized. Tina Cook leads the Education Committee; Michael Sliter oversees the Ambassadors Club; Garry Conley chairs Junior Achievement; Magen Zawko leads Women in Business; Rebecca Webster leads the Health & Wellness Committee; and Sandi Curd oversees Business & Training. The chamber also noted its continued partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides free books to children. The banquet's entertainment was provided by comedian Dave Dyer, whose performance was sponsored by Appalachian Wireless. The event also featured a silent auction. The eventful evening came to an end following closing remarks by Hermann.
