Earlier this year the Edmond Summit Rotary Club held their first annual online Edmond-wide election for Edmond Teacher of the Year. A prize of $1000.00 would go to the winner. The criterion was to nominate an Edmond school teacher who most exemplified the Rotary motto “Service above Self”. The filing date for the nominations ended midnight CST April 15th. During the contest, the winner of Summit Rotary “Charity Fantasy Football Pool” dedicated the pool to add to the teacher award. This allowed the club to award two additional $250.00 “Runner-up” awards.
Over 140 verifiable nominations were submitted during the contest. From these; Edmond Summit chose Wes and Mary Beth Singleton of Memorial High School as the Edmond “Service Above Self” Edmond Teacher of the Year. Runners-up were Elizabeth Pekrul, 1st grade teacher from Clegern Elementary and Lt. Col Kenneth Young (RET), JROTC Teacher from Edmond North H.S.
The Singletons received by far the most votes and some of the more moving explanations for their nomination for the award. Both of the Singletons work with the choir and orchestra of Memorial High School and spend many hours and weekends over and above normal work days with extra rehearsals and instruction, preparing their students for participation in contests and productions. They also accompany the students on all trips involving these activities and are responsible for documenting and maintaining instruments and related equipment.
The award was presented to the Singletons at the May 29th Meeting held at 7:00 AM at the Edmond Mercy I-35 Health Center. Runners up awards will be presented at future dates. Shown in the picture from left to right, Edmond Summit President Koorosh Zahrai, presenting the award to Mary Beth Singleton, Wes Singleton holds the check for $1000.00, Memorial HS Principal Anthony (Tony) Rose was proudly on hand to tell more about the Singletons and the contributions they have made to Memorial and to praise all the teachers for making Memorial an amazing learning center. Gary Jones at right was Rotarian of the Day and read some of the comments provided by the nominees.
During the contest, many deserving nominations were received. The Edmond Summit Rotary Club wishes to thank all Edmond Teachers for their sacrifices of time, talent, and efforts on behalf of our students and their futures