Left to right, Betty Lawson, SSISD Director of Elementary Education, Rowena Johnson, Principal of
Lamar Primary School, and Israel Hernandez, Manager of Sulphur Springs Walmart, are shown
at Friday's Teacher Reward Celebration.

 

Lamar Primary Honored at 4th Annual
Walmart Teacher Reward Celebration

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

Police Chief Jim Bayuk served as Master of Ceremonies.

 

It was a spotlight on teachers at a noon luncheon at the local Walmart Store, on Friday, as staff and employees honored Sulphur Springs teachers and the outstanding dedication that they exemplify in our community, at the 4th Annual Walmart Teacher Reward Celebration. "This is our opportunity to 'give back' to those individuals that work hard each and every day in our school system, educating our children and forming our future," expressed Israel Hernandez, Manager of Sulphur Springs Walmart.

Master of Ceremonies for Friday's event was Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jim Bayuk, who praised the teachers at Lamar Primary School for their tireless efforts in the classroom and dedication. "You've got to be special people to do the job that you do in our community, and we certainly know that it is a calling!" expressed Bayuk. "Some people ask me how I do the job that I do and I stand in awe of the job that you do, as I couldn't do what you do. You have to be truly dedicated to shape the lives of our children!"

 

 

Israel Henandez, Manager of Sulphur Springs Walmart, addresses the teachers
and extends his appreciation for their service in our community.

 

 

 

The teachers and Principal at Lamar Elementary, chosen as an exemplary campus for 15 of the past 18 years, were chosen by Walmart for their extreme dedication and service to children, to be honored this year. Principal Rowenea Johnson and sixteen of her teachers were served lunch and presented with a $50.00 gift card to use for school supplies for their classrooms. Additionally, Walmart presented the school with a $200.00 gift card to use on supplies. "We know that each of you, because we see you do it here at Walmart, spend your own money to purchase classroom supplies for those not provided and to help families that are not able to purchase the needed materials," related Kandi Thomas, Public Relations Director at Walmart. "We know this is only a small token, but we want you to know how much we appreciate the efforts that you do in our community!"

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas also commented that both she and her children had attended Lamar School and the extra care and dedication didn't go unnoticed. "I had one son that had problems learning how to read," related Thomas. "With the extra help he received, he soon was reading and it made all the difference in the world. I was at the 'end of my rope' as to what to do, and you teachers 'opened the light' and helped him to be successful in life!"

 

 

 

Kandi Thomas personally thanks Lamar Teachers for their efforts on behalf of
herself and her children.

 

Johnson and the following Lamar Primary Teachers were honored: Karen Anderson, Trecia Back, Brandi Boles, Amanda Fenton, Terry Fisher, Amy Friddle, Kimberlea Gillem, Anna Hicks, Lisa Johnson, Kay McMeans, Ann Michelle Penson, Dimitri Petty, Sheila Rorie, Julie Silman, Misty Teer.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations, Lamar Teachers
and Thank You, Walmart!!!

 

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