Teacher of the Year Banquet

Although we've known the results of the Teacher of the Year competition for awhile, the awards banquet wasn't until this past Tuesday evening. It was held in Indianapolis at the Marriott Downtown and was very nice. Tony and I were invited to attend a reception before the dinner, and then we were joined for dinner by my parents, my principal, my assistant superintendent, superintendent, and two friends of mine who work for the Department of Education and live in Indy. It was a wonderful evening honoring the semi-finalists, finalists (top 10 - that's me!), the runner-up, and the 2011 Teacher of the Year for Indiana.

Here's a set of obligatory photos in front of the banner:

My biggest supporter:

My greatest inspiration and personal cheerleader:

My guests at the dinner:

Being named as a finalist for the Teacher of the Year was special for more than just the obvious reasons. I am apparently the first teacher from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to ever make it into the top ten. Also, my award was presented by the superintendent of public instruction for Indiana - who also just happens to be an alumni of St. Anthony! SAS graduates out numbered everyone else in the room - there were four of us. My principal and I, our friend Dave from the DOE, and Dr. Bennett. St. Anthony should be so proud.

My assistant superintendent, superintendent, and me:

My students were quite worried about what we would be eating - they shouldn't have been!

I received many nice tokens of appreciation:
Such an exciting event!