Milton Foundation for Education Recognizes Outstanding Teachers

On Wednesday, May 19, a large group of people gathered in the foyer next to Milton High School's auditorium. Enjoying conversation along with some snacks, the group exemplified the celebratory mood of event to come. At 7 p.m., everyone in the foyer was ushered toward the auditorium for the 10^th Outstanding Teacher of The Year Awards sponsored by the Milton Foundation for Education.

Seven teachers within the Milton Public Schools were awarded this great honor. Students, parents, colleagues, coworkers, friends and family gathered in the audience to watch as the admirable seven were presented with their awards.

First was Fatima Bourass-Elzein, who teaches first grade at Collicot Elementary School. Very grateful to be honored for all of her hard work, Bourass-Elzein spoke passionately about her role as teacher, and thanked all of her supporters. The large audience listened as she revealed that, "the toughest job for a teacher is to help those who struggle, but it is also the most rewarding."

Next was Janis Powell. She teaches third grade at Cunningham and has been teaching there for 14 years. Powell explained that in all, she has been with the Milton Public Schools for 50 years.

She also went on to tell the audience a story about a soldier who was injured in battle that the class sent supplies and letters to thanking him for his service. The soldier visited the classroom and brought the letters. Powell said this experience taught her more about "how much children's words could affect others."

Next on stage was Thuy-Hoa Nguyen, who teaches fifth grade at Tucker, and has been for eight years. As a teacher, everyone she comes in contact with feels special and respected. As she spoke, her passion for teaching couldn't have been clearer.

Deb Sinrich received her award next. She teaches fifth grade at Glover and has been for 20 years. Sinrich shared her thanks with the audience, and explained just how much the award meant to her. Because she is retiring in the near future, Sinrich was grateful for this opportunity to give thanks to everyone.

Noa Lai was next. She is a teacher at Pierce Middle School and has been there for 10 years. Lai currently teaches eighth grade math and spoke about how many of her students start out not believing in what they have the power to accomplish within the subject. Lai talked about testing and said that one should not "let a single test close doors." She is a teacher who has positive relationships with her students not only in, but outside the classroom, as well.

Gary Good, popular for the part he plays in the Milton High School Music Department, came next. He has held his position for 13 years, and explained to the audience that he does not go home to family; to be with family, he goes to work. Joking sarcastically about being so good at public speaking, Good continued on to say that he was once told by one of his teachers to never give up hope.

Last but not least was Christine Charbonneau, who has been teaching at Pierce Middle School for seven years. Charbonneau graciously thanked her students for being the reason she loves her job. She spoke about how one single grade could not represent a student's entire educational career. Charbonneau lives for those "aha moments" that make everything worth it. Before leaving the stage, Charbonneau looked out at the audience and said: "Tonight you shine."