The Valparaiso Community is blessed with a fine education system and a large group of talented educators that make up Valparaiso Community Schools. Often overlooked, our teachers are instrumental in directing the paths of our students, shaping them into the adults they will become. To honor our teachers and kick off National Teacher Appreciation Week, the VCS Teacher Appreciation Prize Patrol visited each of the 11 schools on the morning of May 2, 2011.
Valparaiso Community Schools administration, along with the Valparaiso Chamber, collaborated to reward VCS teachers for their hard work. At each school, Superintendent Dr. Melin praised the teachers over the intercom to the entire school. “I am proud to be associated with such a responsible, highly qualified and honorable group of educators,” stated Dr. Melin, “In the face of these uncertain times in public education there is one thing that is certain- the dedication of this staff to their students.” He then announced a drawing was to be held that morning, selecting a teacher at random to receive an award from the Prize Patrol. Sneaking in to the unsuspecting teacher’s room, the Prize Patrol presented the winning teacher with $100 in Chamber Bucks, available for use at any Valparaiso Chamber business.
The morning’s festivities were only one way to show appreciation to our educators. I encourage everyone to take a moment this week and thank a teacher for their perseverance; if it weren’t for teachers, you wouldn’t be reading this article.