Banner Graphic announces contest to honor local teachers

Excellence in teaching is a blessing to our children, our communities and our society. Too often these "gems" go unrecognized for their hard work and dedication.

In recognition of local teachers, the Banner Graphic is featuring the "Teacher of the Month" contest to identify exceptional local educators.

Each month, a winner will be selected from the nominees submitted for voting conducted on the Banner Graphic website. Nominations will be accepted beginning on the first day of the month and ending on the 20th.

A winner will be selected at month's end, following voting.

The nomination must be in the form of a 100-word-maximum nominating letter, detailing the reason the teacher should be selected. A recent photograph is optional with each nomination.

The monthly nomination letters will be posted on the Banner Graphic website on the contest page and listed in the print edition of the Banner Graphic.

Each "Teacher of the Month" will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Banner Graphic.

All monthly winners are eligible for a $500 grand prize, sponsored by First National Bank, Cloverdale/Greencastle, in the "Teacher of the Year" contest, set for the end of the school year in June.

The winning teacher's school will also receive a $500 grand prize grant, sponsored by the Putnam County Community Foundation. The teacher will designate the program within the school that the grant will benefit.

Nominations for the February teacher of the month may be submitted now through Feb. 27 by clicking the "Teacher of the Month" contest link at www.bannergraphic.com.