It's hard to believe such a fuss. On one cold day of teacher inservice, the lunch wasn't half bad...and the school honored me with a luncheon to celebrate being named the Missouri History Teacher of the Year. I failed to report this on the website when it happened - and I failed to acquire any photos of the delicious food and the crowd of people who attended.
| The decorations for the occasion were artifacts and replicas from my own collection. As the event took place in the school cafeteria, one of the earliest American flags, paying tribute to a British pedigree, hung over the entry door. A table inside the entrance held Colonial cash and other objects to inspire visitors. Some antique teaching materials and journal articles were also on hand. Decorations around the serving tables included quotes from historical figures, and other tables held informational tents, as well as other interesting "artifacts" to set the mood. The food for our school staff, as well as school board members and administrators from the central office, was catered by the Red Onion Cafe, here in Joplin, and desserts were brought from Big R's. Dozens of people were able to join us for a filling and delectable meal on a day when teacher inservices could use a little shot to the morale nerve. | |
As I have said many times since being named as the recipient for this award, I am continually thankful to have been honored. In addition to my own $1000 prize, Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History also provided the expenses for this event.
