Barnes & Noble, the nation’s leading retail bookseller and the leading retailer of content, digital media, and educational products, announced that Janet Hooton-Racine from Stratford High School has been named the local winner of the Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest. Hooton-Racine was chosen from 125 entries at the Barnes & Noble in Milford.
Hooton-Racine was nominated by Zane Carey. Students were invited to nominate their favorite teacher by writing essays, poems, or thank-you letters that explain how their teacher has influenced their life and reveal why they appreciate and admire him or her. Entries were judged on the compelling nature of the teacher’s qualities, the sincerity of the student’s appreciation, and the quality of expression and writing.
Hooton-Racine will be recognized at an event at the Milford Barnes & Noble where she will receive a special award acknowledging her achievement, and additional recognition and praise from the community. Zane, who wrote the winning essay, poem, or thank-you letter, will receive a certificate of recognition and will be honored at the Milford store during a ceremony for the winning teacher on Friday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. The school will host a book fair fund-raiser that evening and a portion of sales will be donated to its media center and music departments. Music students will perform at 7 p.m.
Hooton-Racine will now be entered into the regional competition where five winners will be chosen. Each regional winner will receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card. From the pool of five regional winners, Barnes & Noble will name one teacher the Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year. The winning teacher will receive $5,000 and the title of Teacher of the Year. The winner will be recognized at a special community celebration at a local Barnes & Noble store. The winning teacher’s school will receive $5,000 as well.
The Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest provides students with the opportunity to tell their communities how much they appreciate their teachers. Students enrolled in middle or high schools in the United States are eligible to participate; and only educators employed by private or public elementary, middle, or high schools are eligible to be nominated. Awards include cash prizes for the teachers and schools, and more.
More details on the contest rules may be found at BN.COM/myfavoriteteacher