Over 250 people gathered for the fifth annual GT Educator Recognition Awards Ceremony on Wednesday April 30th at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Columbia. This event is sponsored annually by the Howard County Gifted and Talented (G/T) Advisory Committee.
The theme for the evening was “Light the Way” - a candelabra burned at the front of the room, symbolizing the way educators light the way for highly-able learners. Dr. Renee Foose, Superintendent of the Howard County Public School System, brought greetings from the office of the Superintendent. This was followed by Bonnie Branch Middle School’s String Ensemble who mesmerized the crowd with their rendition of the Columbia River Suite.
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A record seventy-eight educators were nominated this year, and almost all of them braved the weather to receive the special honor. Edwina Britt and Michelle Wood, Co-chairs for the event, announced the nominees and read a special quote from the nominating families as the educators received their certificates, letters from families, and flowers. Walking through the crowd, one could see educators with tears in their eyes as they read the heartfelt letters written by nominating families that had been included with their certificates.
Liz Dunster, Chair of the G/T Advisory Committee announced two very special, first-time awards. Vincente D’Antuono and Wendy Strawhorn, both elementary school G/T resource teachers, received High Five Awards and a special gift for being nominated for five years.
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Penny Zimring, Instructional Facilitator for the Gifted and Talented Instructional Program, closed the ceremony, and expressed her appreciation to everyone involved in organizing the evening.
The Howard County G/T Advisory Committee is county-wide group of parents, educators and community members who advocate for the needs of highly able learners, and meet regularly throughout the school year. They can be reached at liz@dunstergreen.com, eckprime@aol.com and michelle_wood@verizon.net
