NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: May 25, 2001
Contact: Public Relations Director Christie Farese,
(601) 359-3519
State superintendent urges parents and students to nominate MS teachers for national award
USA TODAY is seeking 20 individuals and instructional teams for the All-USA Teacher First Team. Their successes will be described and their photographs published prominently in USA TODAY in October. The teachers receive trophies as representatives of all outstanding teachers, and their schools receive a $2,500 cash award from USA TODAY. The 20 educators named to the Second and Third Teams will be featured in the newspaper and will receive certificates honoring their achievements.
First Team members will be invited to join the All-USA Teacher Team Network, founded and run by former First Team members so they can serve as a resource for one another.
"I want to see several Mississippi teachers win this prestigious award," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Richard Thompson. "Our teachers are dedicated, professional, caring individuals who deserve national recognition."
"Teachers from across the Southeast won this award last year," said Thompson. "I hope our students and their parents will get involved to ensure a Mississippi teacher makes the All-USA Teacher First Team."
USA TODAY seeks to honor teachers in all grade levels who excel in a variety of teaching situations. Teachers from urban, rural and suburban schools, public and private, teachers of special education and gifted students, and teachers who travel to more than one school throughout the year all have been named to the First Team. Instructional teams of no more than five members who are assigned the same group of students and who collaborate to plan, teach and evaluate those students can be nominated as a single entity.
A teacher or instructional team may be nominated by anyone, including students, former students, parents, colleagues, staff members or administrators. Self-nominations are not accepted, but nominees must fill out the form and explain how they achieve their success. Teachers may not be nominated without their knowledge. To nominate a teacher or team, complete the nominator’s statement, sign it and give it to the nominee. The nominee(s) must complete the rest of the form. Each nomination form must include one, and only one, nominator’s statement. Either the nominator or nominee must secure two letters of recommendation in addition to the nominator’s statement.
To receive a nomination form, log onto USA TODAY’s web site, www.allstars.usatoday.com, call 1-800-872-2216, or contact the Mississippi Department of Education at (601) 359-3519. Completed nomination forms must be postmarked by June 30, 2001.
# # #
Sample 2
NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: May 25, 2001
Contact: John Knight, Principal, Anytown High School,
(601) 888-8911
Local students selected for top academic honors
The Anytown Board of Education has announced the names of the five top academic students in the junior class of Anytown High School. These students have achieved a cumulative average of 98.5 or better during their junior year.
The juniors at Anytown High School are Andrew Thomas, Erica Howell, Hannah Steele, Marcus Rossini, and Morgan Anderson. They will receive a special award during class night ceremonies to be held on June 3 at the high school.
"This award carries great significance in our district," stated Principal John Knight. "I extend my personal congratulations, as well as that of the entire faculy and staff of our school, to these students. Their continued success promises a bright future for all of us."
The award consists of a $500 scholarship to be held in trust until the students enter college. Superintendent of schools, Patrick O'Ferrel will present the awards during the ceremony.
# # #