Macy's Makes Surprise Magical Announcement for Teacher of the Year Finalist!
Contact: Melissa Goff, (305) 577-2171, Melissa.Goff@macys.com Georgi Morales Pipkin, (305) 793-9626, Georgi.Pipkin@macys.com
Macy's Makes Surprise, Magical Announcement for Teacher of the Year Finalist!
One of five finalists named to compete for distinguished 2013 Macy's/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award
Miami, Fla. - Teachers make magic in and out of their classrooms every day. Now it is time for an extraordinary teacher to receive a magical, unforgettable and well-deserved honor for her commitment to her students. Nanci Brillant of Saint Cloud High School in Osceola County has been chosen as one of five finalists to compete for the 2013 Macy's/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award!At 10:30 am, Florida Department of Education Chancellor, Pam Stewart, along with Joyce Griffith, Vice President, Store Manager for Macy's, were on hand to make a big surprise announcement. The school band, mascot and cheerleaders joined the celebration with excitement. Principal Nate Fancher was thrilled that Mrs. Brillant had been chosen as one of five finalists for the prestigious honor!
Upon receiving the good news, Mrs. Brillant was presented with a $5,000 check made possible by the Macy's Foundation and a $500 Macy's gift card. A $1,000 check, also funded by the Macy's Foundation, was presented to the finalist's school. This year, the Macy's Foundation will contribute over $100,000 in cash to the state-run Teacher of the Year program, as it has done since 1988.
"The magic of teaching is something that we should never let go unnoticed. It is an honor for us to give a nod to Florida's top teachers once again. It is their dedication and extraordinary ability that creates magical moments for students every single day," stated Karin Darmanin, Macy's Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Stores. "Macy's wants to honor Mrs. Brillant for making her classroom a magical place for her students and inspiring them to reach their full potential!"
"A teacher is one of the most influential factors in a student's academic accomplishments," said Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. "Each teacher of the year finalist reflects the character, commitment and qualities that help students realize their potential and ensure they have every chance for success."
The winner of the 2013 Macy's/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year award will be announced during a ceremony on July 12. The event, hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Deborah Norville, will be held at Orlando's Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios CityWalk.
For the 24th year, Macy's will sponsor and produce the awards ceremony. During the event, the remaining 67 nominees from around the state will be recognized for their achievements and excellence in teaching. Each of the nominees will be presented with a $750 personal cash award and a $250 grant for their school, funded by the Macy's Foundation.
In addition to the $10,000 grant funded by the Macy's Foundation, the Teacher of the Year will receive awards from Macy's including an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City to attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The winner will also serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for education, touring the state to spread the word about educational opportunities and challenges in the Sunshine State. To date, Macy's and the Macy's Foundation have contributed over $2 million to teachers throughout the state.
This year's five finalists were chosen from more than 180,000 public school teachers throughout the state by a Department of Education-appointed selection committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community. Each finalist is selected on the basis of outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service. The winner must also show a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.
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