By By Janet Little Cooper
More than 30 people paid tribute to a select group of local teachers Friday night at the American Legion in Atmore.
Teachers from six area schools were chosen by their principal as Teacher of the Year to be recognized at the legion's first teacher recognition banquet.
"This was the first time we hosted this," president of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Mary Stanley said. "It was a very positive evening and we hope to turn this into an annual event in recognition of our teachers."
Teachers and their families enjoyed a St. Patrick's Day theme with a traditional meal that included a few Irish dishes such as Corn Beef and cabbage and Irish cake.
The ladies auxiliary, supported by the American Legion, recognized each teacher with a certificate and a cashier's check.
Escambia County Superintendent Buck Powell, presented several of the teachers with their certificates and was taken by surprise when he was presented with a plaque by the American Legion.
"Only two principals were able to attend and present their teacher with the certificate," Stanley said. "Mr. Powell presented the others and at the end we gave him a plaque in recognition of his many years in service and his upcoming retirement."
The following teachers were recognized at the banquet Friday night: Cathy Coley from A.C. Moore Elementary School; Linda Shuford from Escambia County Middle School; Jessica Oxendine from Escambia County High School; Linda Godwin from Flomaton High School; LuAnne Tharp from Flomaton Middle School and Susan Kirk from Flomaton Elementary School.