Sevier County winners are then eligible to compete all the way up to National Teachers of the Year. Pam Thomas and Betsy Elliott have already won at the regional level and are now competing for the Tennessee Teacher of the Year in their categories.
A top student from each of the four public high schools spoke during the banquet.
Laura Davis from Pigeon Forge High; Hailey Dixon from Seymour High; Tyler Jenkins from Gatlinburg-Pittman High; and Andy Molloy from Sevier County High, all gave personal and reflective insights into how important good teachers have been to them.
Michael King, a 2001 Sevier County High Valedictorian also spoke at the banquet. He participated in the first group of valedictorians asked to speak at the Teacher of the Year Banquet in 2001. He has since earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Accounting in 2005 and will receive his Masters of Accountancy from UT-Knoxville this year. He currently is employed by Sevier County Bank and after graduation will work with Ernst & Young in either Atlanta or Nashville.
Awards from Sevier County Bank and the Board of Education were presented to each honoree. Dr. Debra Cline, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, stated, “I commend Sevier County Bank, Wonderworks and Park Vista Resort Hotel for hosting this special event in recognition of our teachers. This event celebrates the careers of educators who were selected by their peers as being outstanding in the implementation of their craft. If is wonderful to see these exemplary educators honored by community partners. Within a few weeks, the 2007-2008 school year will draw to a close. Student, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members have worked hard to have a successful year full of academic achievement in the teaching-learning process. The teachers celebrated at the Teacher of the Year Banquet represent the best of our profession and the accomplishment of a job well done. Thanks to all who made this event a reality.”
Sevier County Bank President R. B. Summitt II said, “All of us Sevier County Bankers are very proud to annually help recognize and honor Sevier County’s best teachers. It is one of our most worthwhile investments, paying immeasurable dividends to us all. It is indeed special to acknowledge these educators who go many extra miles to positively affect not only the education of our children but also to improve the overall quality of life in Sevier County. I would humbly propose that one reason Sevier County continues to see such economic growth and so few “subprime loans” is thanks to public and private educational synergies like tonight. We could not accomplish this without the enthusiastic continuing support of our partners - the fine folks at the Park Vista Resort Hotel, in Gatlinburg, Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge and the Sevier County Board of Education. Certainly times have changed since the first Teachers of the Year Banquet fourteen years ago. We had concerns as to how this might work out but we knew it would be worth whatever it took to say a big "Thank YOU!" to each Teacher of the Year and indirectly to every teacher. In reflection, we could not be more pleased that our hopes and plans have been met and that Sevier County Bank’s lead has been followed by many others. We are looking forward to celebrating the 15th Anniversary of our “Emphasis on Academics” Program next year as Sevier County Bank celebrates its 100th consecutive year of serving Sevier County!”
This is just one part of Sevier County Bank’s “Emphasis on Academics” program that also includes:
High School and Middle School Scholars Bowl Team Sponsorships
Personal Economics Program taught to all the county’s fourth grades
Miniature Replica Diplomas for all graduating high school students in Sevier County