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2005 Teacher of the Year
During an awards banquet attended by over 300 teachers, principals, pastors and family members, our very own Leigh Ann Cutrell received the 2005 Teacher of the year award. Since most of us were not able to attend this special event, here is a recap of the evening… Nearing the end of the banquet, Bishop Gettlefinger started his speech by “saluting those teachers who have dedicated so many years to our catholic schools – 10, 20, 25 30 and 40 years – and we thank them for their generosity.” He added, “We also salute each of the 26 candidates who have been nominated for the e Teacher of the Year award.” Then the bishop began to talk about one candidate, who wanted to be a teacher as a young child, but was very shy, and didn’t know if that dream was within her reach. “She was a student who lacked organizational skills, and probably had ready on a handful of books. But then in seventh grade, something happened that changed her life. She met Mr. T., and the glow on his face and the eagerness in his eyes made it clear to her that he loved what he did and that he was born to teach. He taught her to pursue her dreams.” At that point, Mr. T. – Gene Theriac – stood up, and began sharing his memories of the young student. “It was my first year to teach,” he said, “and she was a favorite as well as 27 other students that year. She had a sweetness, and innocence and a love for other people.” After Theriac concluded his remarks, and the bishop said, “When this candidate became a teacher she had her own classroom, she tried to model Mr. T.’s enthusiasm and love by letting each of her students know how important they were and how all their dreams could become a reality as long as they were willing to work hard. She credits Mr. T. for helping her become the teacher she is today, and hopes she has inherited his enthusiasm for teaching, dedication to students and the importance of remembering that we all learn in different ways. She says, “if I touch just one life the way he did mine, I will feel successful.” The bishop then invited Theriac to “help me announce the 2005 Teacher of the Year.” Theriac walked to the front of
the room, stood at the podium and said, “This year’s Teacher of the Year is
Leigh Anne Cutrell, a fifth grade teacher at When Cutrell arrived on stage, she gave her former teacher a huge hug, and then told the audience, “I’m very overwhelmed.” “I was a very shy and backward as a child. He showed me the sky was the limit. I love teaching. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” The evening concluded with Bishop Gettelfinger telling the educators that he was “most grateful” for their work in Catholic education. Congratulations
Ms. Cutrell from all the staff, students, and
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