There are not words to describe how amazing this evening was! I was so honored to attend the NCCAT Golden Apple Gala celebrating 25 years of NCCAT and honoring former Governor Jim Hunt. The event was held at the beautiful Grove Park Inn in Asheville during a truly splendid time of year. There were so many guests in attendance because we all know the value that the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching has on effective teaching. I would be remiss if I did not take a minute to inform those of you who may still be thinking...what in the world is NCCAT?
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching was a vision of Jean Powell, former NC Teacher of the Year from Clinton, who felt strongly about the need for teachers to have a place to grow professionally while escaping the daily grind of the classroom (at least briefly!). Governor Hunt listened and began working on developing such a place. NCCAT was born and continues to be a place to support beginning teachers and develop leadership qualities in veteran teachers. NCCAT works diligent to ensure that educators in our profession have the adequate support needed to be effective facilitators of instruction in our classrooms and throughout our schools.
During the Gala, Trisha Muse spoke about how NCCAT saved her as a first year teacher. She talked about he continued support and guidance she received and the impact of her NCCAT experience on her career as a classroom teacher and teacher leader. I also had the opportunity to speak and I talked about the important role NCCAT played in developing my own leadership skills and the impact this had and continues to have on my role as an educator. Thank you does not seem adequate for all that NCCAT provides for teachers across this state.
Then, the man of hour was honored. Governor Hunt spoke about the important role of education and quality teachers in our state today. He challenged each of us to do our part to improve education. It was such an honor to meet Governor Hunt and his lovely wife Carolyn.
Following the celebration of Governor Hunt, the silent auction items began to go quickly. Then the famous Teddy Bear Blitz began. Wow - how exciting! NCCAT has 100 teddy bears for sale in pretty boxes. There are only 100 and they go quickly. One of the bears is wearing a bracelet and the owner of that bear wins a beautiful diamond bracelet donated by Diamonds Direct of Crabtree. I enjoyed watching auction numbers waving in the air and the growing anticipation of the grand opening of the boxes. Mr. Ed Tucker, a member of the NCCAT Board of Directors, was so kind as to purchase a bear for me. This was very kind and much to my surprise and delight, my bear was wearing a bracelet! Wow! It took a moment for it to sink in....oh my goodness I just won a beautiful diamond bracelet! Thank you so much to Mr. Ed Tucker for purchasing the NCCAT bear for me and thank you to Diamonds Direct! The bracelet was absolutely stunning! It was the perfect way to end the evening. What an unforgettable, amazing, night!
For more information on NCCAT or giving to NCCAT please visit www.nccat.org
Top Photo: Kendall Jordan (NC Public Schools Forum), myself, and Jessica Garner (2009-2010 NC TOY) pose for a photo.
Bottom Photo: My husband and I just loved this view from the Grove Park. It is rare that we get this dressed up so we had a photo taken as proof!
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