Gaelon Farquharson, a fourth grade teacher at Rocky Creek Elementary in Henry County, is one of 16 teachers named a "Hero in the Classroom." Now in its four year in the Atlanta area, the award is given by Symetra Financial, the Atlanta Falcons and SunTrust Bank. It is given to teachers who balance core curriculum with individual student needs, built trust with students and parents and invest in the long term success of students. Now in his sixth year as a teacher, Farquharson received the award at a school assembly. His school will received $1,000 in supplies and he received an autographed jersey and tickets to the Falcons home opener.
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Chad Christman, a teacher at Marietta Middle School, and Michelle Chamberlain and Teresa Hutto, teachers at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy have earned "Master Teacher" certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Each educator will receive a $1,000 check from the Marietta Schools Foundation. Master Teacher status is given to educators who contribute to student achievement through exemplary teaching practices. They must also demonstrate the skills and knowledge to serve as a model for other educators. Georgia's Master Teacher Certification Program provides statewide recognition to certified teachers who have at least three years of teaching experience and who have consistently demonstrated instructional excellence. Information: www.gamasterteachers.org.
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Anand Shah, a 17-year-old student at Shiloh High School in Gwinnett, is the winner of $10,529 from Path2College 529 Plan's 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes. Anand's father, Bharat Shah, entered the contest for his son. He started his son's Path2College 529 savings plan when Anand was in elementary school. More than $1.3 billion has been saved utilizing Georgia's 529 plan. More than 18,000 Georgia families have withdrawn around $238 million to send students to college. Anand's school was also awarded $10,529. School officials will use the money to enhance academic programs. The other statewide winners were one-year-old Isabelle Stoltz of Watkinsville and the Oconee County School System. Each received $10,529 last week. For information on the savings plan, call: 877-424-4377 or visit www.Path2College529.com.
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