School is out for the summer, and El Dorado teachers were able to end the year on a high note Friday afternoon at the El Dorado Education Foundation's Teacher Excellence Awards, where educators were able to cut loose while being honored for their work during what has been an exceedingly difficult year.
Half-dance party and half-awards ceremony, Friday's event put a pin in a school year that was characterized by both local and national debates on everything from COVID-19 responses to history and science curriculum.
The U.S. flag outside El Dorado High School, flown at half-staff following last week's school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, was a sobering reminder as well of the issues teachers face going into work every day.
The El Dorado School District, however, was able to send teachers off to summer break with much needed levity.
Emceed by Jeremy "Jayo" Owens, the awards ceremony saw teachers dancing the "Cha Cha Slide" and "Wobble," winning door prizes as "The Price is Right" theme played and cheering on their fellow educators as they were recognized with money and trophies for their contributions to local children.
Teachers at every level were nominated by parents, other teachers and students for Outstanding Educator of the Year. A judging committee at Southern Arkansas University selected finalists and winners, according to information provided by the EDEF. Murphy USA sponsored cash prizes for finalists and winners.
Fifteen semi-finalists for the Outstanding Educators of 2022 awards received certificates and $100 cash. The semi-finalist group included three elementary school teachers -- one from each of the ESD's three elementary schools --, six middle/junior high school level teachers -- three each from Washington Middle School and Barton Junior High --, and five EHS teachers.
The semi-finalists included Hugh Goodwin's Megan Koonce; Northwest's Cristal Childress; Yocum's Alie Shepherd; WMS's Melissa Upchurch, Evelyn Ecamilla and Ashley Johnson; BJHS's Lisa Hooks, Alexis Simmons-King and Bailey Camacho; and EHS's LaPorsha Carter, Shelly Childers, Aprile Richardson, Molly Rottman, Jackie Phillips and Ashlee Curtis.
Nine finalists received $250 and a trophy. They were Koonce, Childress, Shepherd, Hooks, Simmons-King, Camacho, Richardson, Phillips and Curtis.
The Outstanding Educators of the Year took home $1,000 and trophies. Also, portraits that will be hung at their respective schools are to be made of them. One teacher from each education level -- elementary, middle/junior and high school -- was chosen.
Mayor Veronica Smith-Creer presented the award to the elementary level teacher of the year, Hugh Goodwin's Koonce.
"Students have stated that they do not want to let her down. They find a love of learning because of her passion," Smith-Creer said, noting that a parent described Koonce as "knowledgeable, extremely patient and passionate about helping students."
El Dorado School Board member Vicky Dobson presented the award for the middle-junior high educator of the year, BJHS's Hooks, who teaches math and dance.
"For her students, she strives to find fun and nontraditional approaches to help them achieve milestones beyond their own expectations," Dopson said, adding that a student described her as "a wonderful, good-hearted woman and wants the best for everyone."
Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives Matthew Shepherd presented the high school teacher of the year award to varsity Lady Cats basketball coach Curtis.
"Mrs. Curtis believes that teachers must make meaningful connections, so she checks in each week, with every student. She highlights different ways of learning, involving the active input and involvement of her class, often using nontraditional means. Her encouraging approaches also motivate students to achieve outside their comfort zones," Rep. Shepherd said, adding that a co-worker said Curtis "has the most positive impact of any teacher I know" and she "is the reason many students come to school."
The awards ceremony closed with remarks from Superintendent Jim Tucker that left many in attendance in tears.
"I cannot thank all of you enough for all the hard work you've put in this year. I know this year has been hard on everyone; it's been hard on me," Tucker said, becoming emotional.
As he removed his glasses, the teachers that filled the EHS Auditorium stood to give Tucker an ovation that went on for half a minute.
"Our students need us all more now than ever, I think we can all agree. You've been there for them this year. You've poured out everything," Tucker said.
"I know this job is not full of 'thank yous'; it's not full of 'good jobs;' it's not full of 'that was awesome;' it's not full of 'I appreciate everything you do.' But really, the only job I can think of that is like that is being a toddler getting potty trained," he said to laughs.
"We do -- all of us do -- however, get to make a difference in the life of a child... It's pretty dadgum big. Not many other jobs do that, but you do, and you've done it well," Tucker continued, again becoming emotional. "My faith in education has been renewed this year because of COVID. I see how much they need us, and the only challenge I give you is to rest this summer and try to find that renewed spirit. Thank you for all you do."
This story has been updated to correct the name of a teacher pictured.
Teachers react to the announcement of the Outstanding Teachers of the Year. Pictured from left to right are Timmy Williams, Nicole McAdams and Jessica Moore. (Courtesy of Heath Waldrop/Special to the News-Times)