What a great night it was! Liberty Hall was filled to capacity with the nominees, their families and friends, the nominators, and representatives of the Award’s sponsor, State Farm®. Amy Buckman from Action News and “Saving with 6abc” kicked off the proceedings as our wonderful master of ceremonies.

All 10 “Teacher as Hero” winners have made the world a better place for their students and their communities. They realize that good character traits, like honesty and fairness and a thirst for justice, must be taught, and that all of us become Heroes of Character when we learn from the right people. Many of them work in underprivileged schools, making sure that all children get a chance to succeed no matter what neighborhood they’re from.  All the winners have gone far beyond what was asked of them, sharing their time and talents and resources with our next generation of leaders. Without further ado, here are the winners of the 2009 State Farm® “Teacher as Hero” Award:

Bonnee Breese, Overbrook High School

Samuel Reed III, Beeber Middle School

Alicia Conquest-Bulgin, School of the Future

Sherman Denby, Cherry Street School

Debbie Einhorn, Fort Washington Elementary School

Natalie LaJuan Lewis, Springfield High School

Barbara Murray-Dixon, PJ Hill Elementary School

Emilia Rastrick, Lingelbach Elementary School

Marcie Steel, Our Lady of Good Counsel School

Sister Helen Thomas, Saint Laurence School

All teachers are Heroes. They give their students support, they give them challenges, and most of all they give them the tools to build themselves into responsible, successful citizens. Are there teachers who’ve changed your life for the better? Tell them! Do you have an educator you’d like to see recognized as a Hero?  Click here for more information.

To see some great footage of the 2009 State Farm® “Teacher as Hero” Award, check out this great clip from 6abc.