Ahead Of The Class: Chamber To Recognize Renton Teachers For Excellence In Education

Ten outstanding Renton teachers have been selected as finalists for 2012 Ahead of the Class Excellence in Education Awards, sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce. Five winners will be announced at the ceremony. Friends, family, students and members of the Renton community will gather to honor these teachers at a special awards ceremony on April 3rd, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Renton and Renton High School Commons. This year’s finalists are:

Renton School District

• Tracy Dyson, Hazelwood Elementary, 2nd grade
• Drew Crandall, Lakeridge Elementary, 2nd grade
• Sherry Rutherford, Sierra Heights Elementary, 1st grade
• Molly Komar, Dimmitt Middle School, 6th grade
• Erin Hall, McKnight Middle School, 7th grade
• Fareeha Azeem, Renton High School, 10-12 Math
• Jennifer O'Roarty, Renton High School, 9-12 English/Language Arts

Rainier Christian School District

• Nicole Kittleson, Rainier Christian-Highlands Campus, 5-6th Grade

Renton Technical College

• Michele Lesmeister, Renton Technical College, Reading and Writing Adult ed GED
• Karen Braunstein-Post, Renton Technical College, Computer Science AAS Degree Program

The five winners, who demonstrate high standards of professionalism in education, will receive a $500 cash award and special honors at the award ceremony on April 3. This event is free and open to the public.
Over one hundred thirty-five teachers were nominated by their peers, students and parents. Twenty-nine teachers sent in applications.

Two separate committees, consisting of community and business leaders, reviewed applications and conducted personal interviews with the teachers to select this year’s winners. The selection criteria for naming the award winners are based on national standards for teaching.

The Ahead of the Class award program is a partnership between the , Renton public and private schools, Renton Technical College, and Renton businesses. It is part of the Chamber's effort to provide individuals, businesses, and organizations the opportunity to invest in a brighter and better tomorrow for our young people. The program's aim is to enhance community awareness of the excellence of education in Renton.

The program also provides an opportunity for community partners to show their support for education and our valuable teachers. The Award ceremony on April 3 is free to the public thanks to this year's Ahead of the Class sponsors. Presenting Sponsor: Seattle Seahawks; Corporate Sponsors: Marcie Maxwell and Lisa Lam, Windermere Real Estate, Oil Can Henry’s and Wizards of the Coast, Reception Sponsor: Renton PTSA Council; Entertainment Sponsor: Renton Education Association Video Sponsor: Puget Sound Access/ Channel 77; Media Sponsor, Morning Star Photography. Emcee for this years ceremony is Seattle Seahawks spokesperson Tony Ventrella and entertainment will be provided by Students from the Renton School District under the leadership of Band Teacher David Rolandson, previous Award winner.

To RSVP or for more information, call the Chamber at 425-226-4560 or visit www.GoRenton.com.

*Editor's Note: Information provided by the Renton Chamber of Commerce. An error in the title of Nicole Kittleson was published in the original press release, and it has since been corrected in this report.