“I’m very delighted today,” said Marjorie Ferrill, accepting an award on behalf of her husband, Doug, who died in December. “I’m very proud of (Doug). He was a very humble person, but he would have been very appreciative of this award.”
Doug Ferrill was involved in education for 36 years, working as an elementary school teacher and a math teacher at Temple High School before retiring as the dean of Continuing Education and Evening School at Temple College.
Ferrill’s stepdaughter, Cindy Kirby, nominated him for the award.
“(Ferrill) was a real man who stayed true to his ideals, beliefs and commitments,” said Ms. Kirby, reading from her nomination letter. “He believed that what was learned could only be realized through what was practiced.”
Also receiving awards were Valerie Dorman, a special education teacher at Belton Middle School; Mary Adams, an English teacher at Temple High School; David Veteto,
the band director at Rosebud-Lott High School; and W.D. Bruton, the band director at Troy High School.
There were more than 150 years of teaching experience between the award winners, who were nominated by students and former students as examples of teachers who have shown excellence in teaching and unselfish dedication to young people.
“I was just thrilled when I found out I had been nominated,” said Ms. Adams, who was nominated by student Nnenna Obi. “I don’t do what I do for honors - I can’t say in words how special it is to have (Obi) nominate me.”
Ms. Adams, who has 42 years of teaching experience, retired in 2000, but returned to teaching in 2004, saying she missed it.
“It’s amazing to me that I am being honored in my second go-around,” Ms. Adams said.
Ms. Dorman became emotional when accepting her award.
“This is really special for me because the nomination came from a parent,” said Ms. Dorman, who was nominated by Gwen Whitehead. “In special education you can really see the difference you make in someone’s life.
“It’s emotional when you see a student come in who’s a totally dependant person end up becoming an independent thinker,” said Ms. Dorman, who has eight years of teaching experience.
Bruton thanked his family members and co-workers.
“I was very surprised and humbled when I found out I had been nominated,” said Bruton, who recently announced his retirement after 40 years. “There are so many teachers out there who I wish I could share this with.”
Student Valerie Bravo nominated Veteto, who has 24 years of teaching experience.
“I have learned from Mr. Veteto how to be a better person in life and how the real world is not always fair,” Miss Bravo said. “But even when something doesn’t go our way, we have to keep pushing through and not give up.”
There were more than 100 nomination letters written for this year’s awards.
