This week, Jan. 27 – Jan. 31, students throughout LPS have the opportunity to participate in the Thank You Teacher contest to show their appreciation for any teacher from preschool to those that are retired. The annual contest is in honor of Teacher Recognition Day on Tuesday, March 3.

Students are encouraged to take some time out of their day to write a thank you letter to a teacher who has impacted them or has had a positive effect on their education. 

“I submitted Ms. Samantha Holliday because she helped me learn a lot better in Spanish,” sophomore Rochelle Harding said. “I think it’s really important because teachers deserve a lot more than what they get appreciation for. I feel that it helps students acknowledge the fact that someone helped them and someone changed them.”

Whether or not a student’s entry is selected to win, the letter they wrote will be emailed to the teacher.

“I got an email saying that someone had said I had made a difference and they appreciated me,” Mrs. Alyssa Wilhelm said. “They always say teaching is a thankless profession and that you don’t really get to hear about the impact you make with somebody and so getting an email like that is really rewarding.”

No matter the outcome, a little bit of praise can go a long way.

“We, as teachers, don’t expect or even think about getting feedback besides a quick ‘thanks,’” Mrs. Tracy Piper said. “Receiving something more just really means a lot. Though it’s not necessary, it’s just a treat. It’s like sprinkles on a cake.”

The five winning teachers and the respective students will be invited to a breakfast on March 5 at the Governor’s Mansion. There, students will be able to read their nomination letters. 

Students can nominate and find more information here. Nominations are due at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31.