As an extension of teacher appreciation week, Riverton Parke High School’s chapter of National Honor Society held a banquet in honor of their seniors and their most inspiring educators. Seniors were asked to select the educator who had the most influence on their life. Students were allowed to choose any school employee. Honorees included teachers, aides, a librarian, and a coach. Honorees came from three different corporations, but were all once employees of Southwest Parke Community School Corporation. Each student prepared an essay about the lessons learned, bonds shared, impressions left, and inspiration discovered between them and their influential educator. All participants and guests enjoyed dinner before the ceremony. Educators were awarded flowers and seniors received personalized yard signs.
NHS Sponsor Kristi Johnson said, "We believe it is important to let educators know their work is appreciated. They play a vital role in the development of our youth, a job many could not or would not do. As an educator, you rarely know your successes because students move on year after year. This was a great way to let them know how much of an impact they've had and how much they mean to their students."
Honored educators in the front from left are: Kristi Johnson, Brandi Adams, Kim Snodgrass, Laura Bennett, Chet Dickey, Michael Featherling, Alicia Austin, and Nikki Jacks. In the back are senior NHS members Braden Duke, Madison Griffin, Lindsey Peterson, Sage Kinsey, Macy Johnson, Trysten Hightower, Pierson Barnes, Catelin Chapman, and Natalie Harkrider.