Ten outstanding Renton teachers have been selected as finalists for 2012 Ahead of the Class Excellence in Education Awards, sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce.
Five winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 3.
Friends, family, students and members of the Renton community will gather to honor these teachers 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center and Renton High School Commons.
This year’s finalists are:
Renton School District
• Tracy Dyson, second grade, Hazelwood Elementary
• Drew Crandall, second grade, Lakeridge Elementary
• Sherry Rutherford, first grade, Sierra Heights Elementary
• Molly Komar, sixth grade, Dimmitt Middle School
• Erin Hall, seventh grade, McKnight Middle School
• Fareeha Azeem, 10-12 math, Renton High School
• Jennifer O’Roarty Renton High School 9-12 English/Language Arts
Rainier Christian Schools
• Nicole Kittleson, fifth-sixth grades, Rainier Christian-Highlands
Renton Technical College
• Michele Lesmeister, Renton Technical College, reading and writing adult ed GED
• Karen Braunstein-Post, Renton Technical College, computer science, AAS Degree Program
The five winners, who demonstrate high standards of professionalism in education, will receive a $500 and special honors at the award ceremony April 12.
More than 135 teachers were nominated by their peers, students and parents. Twenty-nine teachers sent in applications.
Two committees, consisting of community and business leaders, reviewed applications and conducted personal interviews with the teachers to select this year’s winners. The selection criteria for naming the award winners are based on national standards for teaching.
The Ahead of the Class award program is a partnership between the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton public and private schools, Renton Technical College, and Renton businesses.
It is part of the chamber’s effort to provide individuals, businesses, and organizations the opportunity to invest in a brighter and better tomorrow for our young people. The program’s aim is to enhance community awareness of the excellence of education in Renton.
The program also provides an opportunity for community partners to show their support for education and our valuable teachers.
Emcee for this year’s ceremony on Tuesday is Seattle Seahawks spokesperson Tony Ventrella and entertainment will be provided by students from the Renton School District under the leadership of band teacher David Rolandson, previous award winner.
To RSVP or for more information, call the chamber at 425-226-4560 or visit www.GoRenton.com.
