At the latest Selma City School Board meeting, the board spent time honoring and recognizing faculty and staff members for a job well done during this school year.

Over 20 instructors and employees received an award after hearing board members and principals speak highly of their efforts in the school system.

We are glad to see a program like this dedicated to the hard work and love that teachers possess during the school year and show their students on a daily basis.

Chief Administrative Officer of the Selma City School system Larry DiChiara said the public recognition is what makes the ceremony and honor so special because not always do employees hear board members or the superintendent speak highly of them, but this allowed for the opportunity.

“They hear board members speak highly of them,” DiChiara said “They hear the superintendent speak highly of them. Sometimes that means more than a bonus.”

It’s so good to know that the Selma City School Board made an effort to truly recognize the people that make a difference in the lives of children.

Teachers are the backbone of our society. They are responsible for preparing students to become productive members of society upon graduation and they definitely should be applauded for their work.

Sophia P. Kingston Elementary School’s instructional coach Tamara Smith was one of those instructors and employees to receive an award.

“We all work together for the betterment of our students and that’s the main thing,” Smith said. “It’s nice to be rewarded, but everything we do is for our students.”

Even outside of the classroom, teachers like Smith are thinking about their students. It’s inspiring how humble Smith was in receiving the award, mentioning that it’s about the students, not herself.

Teachers make lasting impressions on students, and that is one of the many reasons why we should continue to support those educators who pour their heart and soul into educating the children of the Queen City.

In its first year, the award ceremony went off without a hitch and DiChiara said everyone seemed to enjoy it.

“We didn’t have any recognition programs for our teachers or classified employees,” DiChiara said. “We brought it in, and the teachers loved it.”

We hope to see more ceremonies and events, like the one that the Selma City School Board held, honor teachers and school employees in the future,. More importantly we hope to see students, parents and the community reach out to educators and say ‘thank you’ for a job well done.