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That our community unites to celebrate K–12 teachers so close to the holiday season and the new year is always a source of great inspiration and joy for me. No matter what is happening in the world, the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration, which this year was held on Dec. 9, gives me hope for our future. It recharges me. 

That each year generous donors go above and beyond in their support of amazing educators only heightens this inspiration and makes me so proud to be part of our community. This year, thanks to donor support, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County was able to provide cash gifts to all 43 Teacher of the Year Award recipients. These gifts represent the broad support of teachers, and they could not come at a better time.

These past two years have posed immense challenges to everyone. Yet teachers across our district have given so much—indeed, many gave more than they thought possible. They persisted even under such difficult circumstances, truly reflecting their commitment and compassion toward their students. 

Amazing teachers emulate the uniquely beautiful qualities of their students and highlight who their students are—so they see themselves better. The ability to model the best in students is in itself a form of celebration. Great teachers celebrate and bring out the best in our children. And in so doing, they show students their full potential.

When students are equipped to succeed, when they see their potential and find their purpose, they are more likely to live fulfilling lives and keep our community and our country thriving. In this way, teachers and, as one Teacher of the Year Award recipient noted this year, education can create a more harmonious, better society. 

I could not agree more. Judging by the crowd that came together for the evening and by the generosity of our donors, our community shares this belief. Even last year, when the pandemic forced us to celebrate teachers online, the community tuned in. They showed their support. They confirmed their faith in educators to be there for students and to ensure a flourishing community. 

I would like to echo something Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen emphasized during this year’s Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration: “Our teachers are our heroes.” They are. Great teachers inspire us. 

Each of the 43 Teacher of the Year Award recipients represents the best of all teachers across our county. They are remarkable ambassadors. And the celebration of these individuals, though lasting only a few hours one day of the year, symbolizes a collective appreciation for the vital work of educators, especially during such uncertain times. The celebration brings together people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, but they all share in their appreciation for teachers and the brighter future they help ensure.

For me, there is no better way to usher in a new year. 

Jennifer Vigne is president of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Image via Pixabay