LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — While Merriam-Webster defines a teacher as someone whose occupation is to instruct, Lima’s Fifth Ward Councilman Thomas Jones believes they are so much more than that.
Jones has been personally surprising local teachers and support staff across Lima with invitations to the banquet, offering them a night of recognition for their dedication and service.
To recognize the profound impact educators and school staff have on students and the community, Jones created the Teacher Appreciation Banquet — an event born out of gratitude for the teachers who have shaped his own children’s lives.
Jones has been personally surprising local teachers and support staff across Lima with invitations to the banquet, offering them a night of recognition for their dedication and service.
“My philosophy of teaching is really that, at the end of the day, my job is to make the most positive impact I possibly can on each student in my room,” said Kelsey Duffy, a second-grade teacher at Freedom Elementary School. “I set the bar high, but also meet them where they are and remember that they're people just like us.”
The Teacher Appreciation Banquet will be held on August 23 at the City Club in Lima.
School nurse Megan Lawrence from Lima South emphasized the deep connections she builds with students.
“The students mean so much to me — just taking care of their health needs while they're here, as well as cheering them on,” she said. “To watch them all the way to graduation is just a fantastic opportunity.”
The Teacher Appreciation Banquet will be held on August 23 at the City Club in Lima. Tickets are $100, and community members are encouraged to honor a special educator or community leader in their child’s life. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (513) 218-8898.
