Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Presents Teacher of the Year Award and Diplomat Scholarships
The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce presented the 2021 Teacher of the Year Award to Erin Lyon From Leeds Middle School on Thursday, May 20 at the May chamber of commerce Luncheon.
The Leeds Area Chamber is a strong supporter of education and each year the Chamber recognizes a teacher from Leeds City Schools who exceeds expectations in serving our schools and students. The Chamber sponsored this year’s Teacher Recognition Program and the award was presented by Leeds City Schools Superintendent John Moore.
L-R: LCS Superintendent John Moore, 2021 Teacher of the Year - LMS Band Director Erin Lyon & LMS Principal Bobby Byrd
Mrs. Lyon is the Leeds Middle School Band Director. She has great control of her band students while teaching them the fundamentals of music and how to work as a team. Her willingness to participate in after school activities and all the while give her best energy is amazing. She continues to talk with classes about choices and challenges to pursue as they grow into adulthood. She finds time to let individual students know they are special when she senses there are problems. Mrs. Lyon brings in volunteers to teach small sections or one-on-one to catch students up or refine their skills. She wants every student to shine. Mrs. Lyon is one teacher a student just does not want to disappoint! Along with the award, Mrs. Lyon was presented with a check for $500.
Other recognitions at the luncheon were high school diplomats, Ivan Lentz and Emma Terry.
These two students had the opportunity to speak about their career plans and were presented with a $25 gift card. At the Leeds High School Awards event on Sunday, Ivan and Emma were presented with $500 scholarships from Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce along with three additional senior diplomats, Ana Arguello, Robyn Blakey and Natalie Sandoval, who served this school year in the Chamber Diplomat Program.
Ivan Lentz and Emma Terry - 2021 High School Diplomats
LHS Diplomats Robyn Blakey, Natalie Sandoval, Christy Ellard-Ambassador, Emma Terry, Ivan Lentz & not pictured, Ana Arguello
Chamber Diplomats are chosen during their upcoming junior and senior year. Selection is largely based on their communication skills as they attend meetings with Chamber business members. They also assist at events during the year as well as visit local businesses in and around the Leeds area when their schedules allow. These particular students have been very resilient in helping when needed even through pandemic challenges during this school year. The Chamber is very proud of these students and hope these scholarships will, in some small way, help in pursuit of their dreams.
The Leeds High School Choir also performed under the direction of LHS Band Director, Chip Wise.
For more information about the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, the Teacher of the Year award or the Chamber High School Diplomat Program, please visit their website at www.leedsareachamber.com or contact Sandra McGuire at 205-699-5001.