Published: April 22, 2008 06:49 pm         

Chamber of Commerce honors 4 teachers

It wasn’t a blaze of glory, but it did get everyone’s attention.

The London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet began with a bang Tuesday as the mangy gunslinger Cactus Willie was gunned down in the middle of the London Community Center.

With its western theme, this year’s banquet included a mystery, which wasn’t solved until the end. In between, awards were handed out and praise given.

“This year, as in most years, it was very difficult in determining the teachers of the year due to the excellent teachers we have in the community,” said Rodney Kuhl, a member of the Cham-ber’s education committee.

Three teachers were chosen, not just for caring about students, but for being mentors to their peers, Kuhl said.

Before honoring the three teachers, the Chamber gave Tyler Falkner, of Corbin, a “Rookie of the Year” award. He teaches seventh-grade math at South Laurel Middle School.

“His students say he is very energetic and it is fun to be in his class,” Kuhl said.

Falkner, an Eastern Kentucky University graduate, said he began the year by concentrating on teaching the students math. As he got deeper into the school year, he learned something.

“I found out that middle school students were dealing with things in their life much harder than solving equations or multiplying fractions,” he said. “I realized then that my calling for teaching was not only for the mathematics material, but also to be a positive role model for all students, but especially for those who may not be receiving that at home.”

Elementary Teacher of the Year was awarded to Sublimity’s Karen Jewell. She has been teaching fourth grade at Sublimity for 21 years, which is where she was a student teacher.

“Her students said she makes class fun, is nice and good at motivating students to learn,” Kuhl said.

When she’s not in the classroom, Jewell is active in her church and helps coach youth basketball. A member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Jewell also helps with Special Olympics.

“I'm very honored,” Jewell said as she accepted her award.

Kim Smith, of South Laurel, was named the Middle School Teacher of the Year.

“Students say that they learn a lot from her,” Kuhl said. “She helps them to understand math, ‘she keeps us on task and she is strict in making sure we get our homework turned in.’”

Smith has been teaching for 22 years, from third grade to eighth grade.

“This means a lot to me.” said Smith. “Especially because it’s coming for the kids.”

Smith is active in her church and visits the sick in the hospital when she’s not teaching.

The final teaching award went to South Laurel High School’s Tracy Martin.

“Her students had this to say about her — ‘She makes complex problems seem simple and is always there to talk to. She is an all-around awesome teacher,’” Kuhl said.

Martin has been teaching math for six years. Her philosophy of teaching is to make students feel good about themselves and comfortable learning, Kuhl said.

“I’m just doing what I love to do and am thankful I am being recognized for it,” Martin said.



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Earlier in the night, Dana Johnson, of L&N Federal Credit Union, was named Chamber Volunteer of the Year.

“What I like about this person is she is very encouraging,” said Randy Smith, director of the Chamber. “She is willing to be part of our community.”

Star Robbins & Company was named Chamber Business Volunteer of the Year.

“This person is so resourceful, it isn’t even funny,” Smith said. “She optimizes community and she optimizes Chamber.”

Joking, Smith said women won the two awards because females “get stuff done.”

“You get a woman involved and it will happen in a heartbeat,” he said with a laugh.



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According to statistics, 2007 was an exciting time for the Chamber.

There were more than 66 ribbon cuttings for new or relocated business, its Web site had more than 3 million hits and, on average, 125 people attended the monthly luncheons.

“It’s exciting to watch our Chamber grow,” said Rebecca Webster, the Chamber’s recruiter. “It’s so gratifying to see everyone come together.”

Sharon Benge, of Benge Farm Supply, replaced Bruce Daeger, of Aisin Automotive Casting, as president. Holbert Hodges, of Community Trust Bank, will serve as first vice president. Don Holt, of Windstream Communications, will serve as second vice president. Larry Corum, of Allegra Print & Imaging, will serve as secretary and Johnson will serve as treasurer.



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And the murder mystery? Despite rumors Willie was killed because of his hidden gold or a love triangle, it was discovered that a Native American killed the gunslinger for digging around, for gold, in an ancient burial site on the reservation.