MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee-area educators had a reason to get just as dressed up as Kentucky Derby enthusiasts Saturday night.
More than 100 teachers went home with top honors from an awards gala held at the Wisconsin Center.
It was a big night, one that's been held each year for the last 14 years. But this Saturday night, the superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools said her appreciation for these great teachers is about more than just the education in the classroom.
“Teachers continue to do great work for us and we’re very proud of them," said MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver.
Driver is proud on many levels. She pointed to the recent shooting of 9-year-old Za'layia Jenkins near 15th and Meinecke on Thursday. She said educators have the opportunity to make a real impact on MPS students like Jenkins.
"But they’re also there to hug them, to help them work with their families to make sure that our students have a chance," Driver said.
Most of the awards Saturday night, presented by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators, went to MPS teachers. There were 141 in all being honored. That included school support staff.
“I’ve been teaching 18 years now and so I’m a school support teacher at this time and it’s just an honor to be recognized," said Cynthia Wilson of Thurston Woods Campus Elementary School.
Teaching from the heart, dedicated, choosing courage over fear, bold and persistent -- those are just some of the ways these ladies and gentlemen were described.
“We struggle a little bit to get recognition and this is a good, nice way to be recognized," said Lisa Gartzke of Donges Bay Elementary in Mequon.
Gartzke teaches third grade and said this has been an exceptionally good year for her and her kids.
“I always like to go a little bit extra for some kids, especially kids who struggle a little bit," Gartzke said.
In the words of Dr. Driver, teachers make life brighter for our students in whatever their circumstances.
