State Teacher of the Year Banquet

Friday, I took a personal day so I could get things ready for the banquet. Craig and I had to be in Columbia at 6 for the reception and the banquet was to begin at 7, so we were to leave here at 4. I had already bought my outfit, and had gotten a pair of heels to wear (I NEVER wear heels). My sister, Jennie, and I had an appointment for a spa pedicure and then we went to lunch. I picked Drew and Mikayla up from school and got everyone ready (Mikayla had dance and pictures, but my mom was to take her and my dad picked her up). Drew and Mikayla were excited to be staying with Poppi while daddy and I went to the banquet (they ended up spending the night because we didn't get home until after 12). The banquet was beautiful, and it was nice to have Craig with me! Each district Teacher of the Year was escorted in by a member of an Elementary School chorus. Then we enjoyed a keynote address by the president of Wofford College. Our state superintendent, Jim Rex, also addressed us and then we enjoyed dinner. We were also addressed by current State Teacher of the Year, Ann Marie Taylor. At the end of the night, Janna Hallman from Anderson was announced as our new State Teacher of the Year! This has been an extraordinary year - one that I will never forget.