Last Updated on January 11, 2017 10:14 pm
The 2016 North Carolina Teacher Of The Year, and current Watauga County School teacher, was recognized along with her fellow Teachers Of The Year during the College Football Playoff Championship game on Monday night.
Keana Triplett took time out of her busy schedule to share with WataugaOnline.com her thoughts about the experience on Wednesday night. Her full unedited comments are below.
“The College Football Foundation sponsors Extra Yard for Teachers which has a Summit on the Saturday before the College Football Championship game. This was the first year the State Teachers of the Year were invited, and we were provided travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and entry into the Extra Yard Summit, Fan Central, VIP box at the concert series, the Extra Yard 5K, the Taste of the Championship, VIP pre game tailgate, and the Championship game all for ourselves plus one.
I took my husband, Shane, of course, who deserved this for taking care of everything at home while I traveled as NCTOY (North Carolina Teacher Of The Year). The National State Teachers of the Year were the halftime showcase and introduced on the field dressed in Extra Yard for Teachers jackets that were provided for each of us. It was an amazing experience to see teaching held in such high esteem by the College Football Foundation.
I wish I could have taken every teacher in North Carolina with me, but they were in my heart and mind on the field as I know they are some of the best in the nation who work the hardest for our students. I am most thankful to Watauga County Schools for allowing me to participate in this once in a lifetime professional development! It is a blessing to work for a system who fosters and encourages professional growth for all teachers.”
Triplett also noted that, “The only sad part is that is was the last time the 2016 State Teachers of the Year will convene all together, so saying goodbye to my STOY family was most difficult!”
Photos courtesy of Keana Triplett.
