– “Teacher of the Year” luncheon recognizes outstanding educators –

More than 57 educators were honored with apple shaped gift boxes, flowers, limo rides and lunch as part of the chamber’s annual recognition of teacher excellence. Title or platinum sponsors of the event were Green Oak Diagnostics and Joiner Partnership. The limousines transporting teachers to the event were sponsored by Randall Reed’s Planet Ford.

The teachers were welcomed with an abundance of flowers. Danell’s Gifts and Floral served as flower sponsor and Top Hat Catering sponsored the table centerpieces. The venue sponsor was Humble Civic center. More than two dozen additional businesses or individuals served as gold, silver or bronze sponsors of the event and turned out to show their support of area teachers.

Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Guy Sconzo was very grateful for the chamber’s support of area teachers.

Kim Brode, field representative from Congressman Ted Poe’s office, was on hand to offer certificates of appreciation from the congressman. Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Guy Sconzo and Spring ISD Associate Superintendent of Public Relations and Technology Regina Curry provided the lion’s share of the introductions, while guests enjoyed a dinner of steak, chicken, rice, mixed vegetables, rolls and cheese or carrot cake.

Also presenting awards at the luncheon were LSC-Kingwood President Katherine Persson, and Dean of faculty at Northeast Christian Academy, Sharon Rolando.

The chamber is encouraging members to investigate their ambassadors program and an opportunity to enter a drawing for $1,000. Details are available through the chamber office. It was noted that more door prizes were given at the teacher’s luncheon than any other chamber event. Only teachers were eligible for door prizes. The 50/50 drawing pulled in $146 for the chamber and $146 in cash for one lucky ticket holder.

Guests were reminded to mark their calendars for the Chocolate Festival on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Airport Sheridan. For more information, visit www.chocolatefestivaloftexas.com.

In the month of November, Congressman Ted Poe will be collecting cards to take to servicemen during the holidays. It is not necessary to put the cards in envelopes. The personal message inside should be addressed to “Dear Soldier” and should express gratitude for their service and not political opinions. Cards should be dropped at the congressman’s office at 1801 Kingwood Drive, Suite 240.

The chamber holds meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Location of meetings varies. For more information, visit www.humblechamber.com or contact Carolyn McCarty at cmccarty@humbleareachamber.org.

Teachers of Excellence

LONE STAR COLLEGE - KINGWOOD

Stephanie Doyen Associate Professor of Mathematics

Betsy Morgan Professor of Biology

Jimmi Rushing Reference Librarian

Teacher of the year

NORTHEAST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Dr. Michael Thompson H.S. Bible 11, Theology, Philosophy

Teachers of the year

HUMBLE INDEPEDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Elementary

Susan Rasmussen Bear Branch

Janine Nerad Deerwood

Theresa Drew Eagle Springs

Carol Emery Elm Grove

Suzanne Palmer Fall Creek

Heidi Davis Foster

Patricia Bergman Greentree

Casee Fetzer Hidden Hollow

Peggy Mensik Humble

Daphne LaFosse Jack M. Fields, Sr.

Debbie Augustine Lakeland

Tracy Fruge Maplebrook

Michael Grofman North Belt

Jennifer Ficken Oak Forest

Diane Ferner Oaks

Katie Smith Park Lakes

Elizabeth Frye Pine Forest

Wanda Legohn-Rodriguez River Pines

Erika Sanders Summerwood

Kate Peters Timbers

Olevia Daniels Whispering Pines

Becky Walker Willow Creek

Meshelle Smith Woodland Hills

Middle School

Kathy Gregory Atascocita Middle School

Ken Buck Creekwood Middle School

Nekenisha Brand Humble Middle School

Lisa Cummings. Kingwood Middle School

Dale Branson Riverwood Middle School

Wanda George Ross Sterling Middle School

Diana Bauer Timberwood Middle School

High School

Mark Scalia Atascocita High School

Kimberly Coleman Humble High School

Mickey Mel Swartz Kingwood High School

Dean Herbst Kingwood Park High School

Ty James Quest High School

Edna O'Bryant Career & Technology Education Center

Teachers of the year

SPRING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Gwendolyn Wright Anderson Elementary

Delia Rivera Burchett Elementary

Gidget Belinoski Booker Elementary

Robin Clingerman Cooper Elementary

Amanda Ardill Hirsch Elementary

Kristin Curtiss Jenkins Elementary

Paulina Washington McNabb Elementary

Antoinette Wright Northgate Crossing Elementary

Elizabeth Keen Salyers Elementary

Jenine Feuerbach Smith Elementary

Jennifer Metzler Winship Elementary

Middle School

Lucy Kuempel Bailey Middle School

Susan Gregurek Dueitt Middle School

Debbie Perez Twin Creeks Middle School

High School

Robin Sweet Dekaney High School

Deb Beeman Spring High School

Eric Wietstruck Carl Wunsche High School

Photos: (Top) Lone Star College Associate Professor of Mathematics Stephanie Doyen was one of the teachers honored at the Humble Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Oct. 20. (Bottom) Teachers received apple shaped gift boxes, flowers, limo rides and a bountiful lunch as part of the Humble Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Teacher of the Year luncheon. Teachers from Humble ISD, Spring ISD, Northeast Christian Academy and Lone Star College Kingwood were represented. Photos by Kathy Parks