Public Education Foundation announces "Honor Role: Educators' Celebration Dinner," presented by Unum, taking place on Thursday at the Westin Chattanooga.
Officials said, "This event will mark the 35th anniversary of PEF’s dedication to empowering all students and educators to succeed in learning and in life. The evening will honor the outstanding contributions of public-school educators and raise funds to support PEF’s ongoing initiatives."
The celebration will commence with a VIP-only mocktail reception, sponsored by Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors, from 5:15-6 p.m., followed by general guest arrivals from 5:30-6 p.m.
Michael Stone, vice president of Innovative Learning at PEF, will kick off the opening remarks at 6 p.m.
Officials said, "A highlight of the evening will be inspiring speeches from esteemed guests Stacy Lightfoot, vice chancellor for Access and Engagement at UTC; Bill Kennedy, former HCS principal and vice president of Leadership Initiatives at PEF; and Logan Taylor, founder of YB Normal?. All three speakers are graduates of Hamilton County Schools and will share their reflections on the profound impact of our local public-school educators."
Additionally, special recognition will be awarded in categories that celebrate the diverse contributions of educators. These categories include "Novice Teachers," honoring those new to the profession; "Mid-Career Teachers who are still passionate about teaching," recognizing experienced educators who maintain their enthusiasm; "Veteran and Retired Teachers," celebrating lifelong dedication; and "Administrators who Left the Classroom 'Kicking and Screaming,'" acknowledging those who loved classroom teacher but transitioned to leadership roles.
This year's event is made possible through the support of corporate sponsors:
- Presenting Sponsor, $10,000: UNUM;
- Advocate Sponsors, $5,000: First Horizon, EPB and Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors; and
- Supporter, $2,500: Alison and Alan Lebovitz, Bridge Public Affairs, Mustang Leadership Partners, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and TVA.
As anticipation builds for this celebration, Dan Challener, president of PEF, reflected on the reason the event is designed to honor educators. “When I ask anybody, I meet, ‘Is there a teacher who made a difference in your life?’ their answer is always, ‘Yes!’ And after I hear their ‘yes,’ I get to hear how a teacher or a principal changed their life,” he said. “On Thursday evening, September 5th, PEF will celebrate Hamilton County educators. This is an opportunity for our community to celebrate and thank the people who work, every day, preparing our children for the future. We hope you’ll join us.”
"Tickets for the event are sold out, but you can still make a donation to support PEF. Sponsoring 'Honor Role' is an opportunity to align with an organization and an event that elevates the heart and soul of public education: educators. To donate or to learn more about how you can support the mission of PEF, visit pefchattanooga.org/honor-role-35years or contact Kayla Shugart
at kshugart@pefchattanooga.org," officials said.