Barnes & Noble Announces Local Winner of My Favorite Teacher Contest

Barnes & Noble, the nation’s largest retail bookseller and the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today announced that Tara Hefner from Riverbend High School in Spotsylvania County has been named the local winner of the Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest. Hefner was chosen from entries at the Barnes & Noble on 1220 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA. Hefner was nominated by Jaime Alfaro.

Students were invited to nominate their favorite teacher by writing essays, poems, or thank-you letters that explain how their teacher has influenced their life and reveal why they appreciate and admire him or her. Entries were judged on the compelling nature of the teacher’s qualities, the sincerity of the student’s appreciation, and the quality of expression and writing.

“I am so honored that Jaime took the time to write in her second language and nominate me,” Mrs Hefner, an ESOL teacher said.

Mrs. Hefner was recognized at an event at the Fredericksburg Barnes & Noble on April 14 where they received a special award acknowledging their achievement, and additional recognition and praise from the community. Jamie, who wrote the winning essay, poem, or thank-you letter, will receive a certificate of recognition and will be honored at the Fredericksburg store during a ceremony for the winning teacher.

Barnes & Noble also recognized Rhonda Miller of Chancellor High School nominated by Sophie Horn, Lisa Jones of Freedom Middle School nominated by Daphne Corso and Coralyn Good of Freedom Middle School nominated by A’Ja Jenkins.

Mrs. Hefner will now be entered into the regional competition where five winners will be chosen. Each regional winner will receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card. From
the pool of five regional winners, Barnes & Noble will name one teacher the Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year. The winning teacher will receive $5,000 and the title of Teacher of the Year.
The winner will be recognized at a special community celebration at a local Barnes & Noble store.
The winning teacher’s school will receive $5,000 as well.

The Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest provides students with the opportunity to tell their communities how much they appreciate their teachers. Students enrolled in middle or high schools in the United States are eligible to participate; and only educators employed by private or public elementary, middle, or high schools are eligible to be nominated. Awards include cash prizes for the teachers and schools, and more.

More details on the contest rules can be found at BN.com/myfavoriteteacher.