During my freshman year of high school, I had a history teacher named Miss Shoemaker who (gasp) dared to give us multiple projects at once. Â As 14-year-olds, we couldn’t believe it. Â She was the “meanest teacher ever” and I spent a lot of time complaining about her to my friends, parents, and relatives. Â I remember my dad sitting me down about halfway through the year and saying something to the extent of, “You don’t have to like her, but you do have to respect her and get your work done. Â In the real world, you will always have a lot to do and Miss Shoemaker is teaching you the skill of time management. Â You’ll thank her some day.” Â I’m pretty sure at the time I was thinking that would happen when pigs could fly.
Here I am now, officially eating my words. Â Surprise - Dad was right, and so was Miss Shoemaker for teaching us a skill so valuable in life. Â I think of her often when I have a jam-packed calendar (which, like most of us these days, seems to be daily!).
It’s amazing how teachers influence our lives both in and out of the classroom, and for years into the future.  I think that’s why our Teacher of the Year Awards have been so popular!  Last year, we received over 500 nominations for area teachers, not surprising given all the hard work they do each and every day shaping the lives of our kids.
So, do you or your kids have a “Miss Shoemaker” that you want to thank?  Nominate them to win FREE meals!  Take it from one of last year’s winners, it’s a wonderful way to show your appreciation:
We’ll be taking nominations throughout the month of March. Â On April 3rd, we’ll announce the top nominees and let you (and everyone you know) vote for your favorite teacher. Â Five deserving teachers will each win a FREE 8-meal session! We’ll surprise the winners during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3-7, 2010).
Last I heard, Miss Shoemaker was still teaching at my high school. Â At my reunion next year, I think I’ll seek her out and say thanks for the gift she gave me 14 years ago. Â Perhaps I’ll even bring her some Let’s Dish! meals to show my appreciation!











