River Radio, EBO MD host teacher appreciation event honoring educators across Southeast Missouri
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Teachers, school staff and educators from across southeast Missouri gathered Thursday night at the AC Brase Arena in Cape Girardeau for a free Teacher Appreciation Event hosted by River Radio and EBO MD.
The event welcomed teachers, administrators, bus drivers, custodial staff and other school employees for an evening of free food, drinks, giveaways and community recognition.
River Radio General Sales Manager Jack Swart said the event was inspired by similar appreciation events the organization previously held for first responders.
“The event was fun because they don’t get appreciated openly like that, you know, and teachers work hard all year,” Swart said. “We just wanted to say thank you. And that’s what we’re doing tonight.”
Organizers said the event was designed not only to celebrate teachers, but also to recognize the many s
upport staff members who help schools operate every day.
Throughout the evening, vendors handed out prizes through QR code giveaways, including a $500 classroom school supply giveaway sponsored by EBO MD.
Swart said organizers hope the event continues to grow in the coming years.
“We think it’s the kind of event that will grow,” Swart said. “We hope the event is well received and we’ll probably do it again next year.”
During the event, organizers publicly recognized dozens of educators who were nominated by students, parents and community members for their dedication, compassion and impact inside the classroom.
Several nominations highlighted teachers who created welcoming classroom environments, supported students with special needs, encouraged leadership and confidence, or went beyond classroom duties to support students and families.
Teachers and educators recognized during the event included:
Jennifer Landon — St. Mary’s Cathedral School
Mary Santana — St. Mary’s Cathedral School
Melissa Hermann — Jackson Early Childhood Preschool
Kendra Brown — South Elementary
Mrs. Adams — Cape Central High School Performing Arts/Band
Caitlin Young — Vocational Agriculture / FFA Advisor
Bobby Close — Jackson Senior High School Speech & Debate
Janae Field — West Lane Elementary
Maggie Arnold — St. Mary’s Cathedral Preschool
Eric Daniels — Cape Central High School Performing Arts/Band
Jim Hinman — St. Mary’s Cathedral School
Abby Gold — Jackson Middle School
Montana Estes — First Grade Teacher
Katie Minson — Elementary Special Education
Shannon Grizzard — Pre-K Teacher
Abby Huggins — East Elementary, Jackson
Kim French — Sikeston Orchestra
Marissa Asher — Preschool
Elizabeth Bryant (“Mrs. B”) — Algebra Teacher
Ainsley Batchelor — Woodland Early Childhood Special Education
Mrs. Champion — SPED Teacher
Dorcas Jefferson — Elementary Kindergarten
Abby Eldridge — Preschool Teacher
Lindsey Gross — Jackson Junior High
Mrs. Rains — St. Mary’s Cathedral School
Jennifer Koch — St. Mary’s Cathedral School
Stephanie Palmer — Parkview State School
Amanda Perry — Kelly Elementary
Jane Wilson — St. Mary’s Catholic School
Jennifer Tilley — West Lane Elementary
Shelby McAtee — Nell Holcomb Early Childhood Center
Melissa Householder — High School Teacher
Mary Jackson — Steeleville Elementary School, Illinois
Robert Harris — Bollinger County Bus Driver
Note: Some names, schools and titles may contain minor spelling inaccuracies due to audio quality during the live recognition portion of the event.
Organizers encouraged attendees to continue spreading the word about the appreciation night and said they hope to expand the event even further next year.
