LAPLACE – Teachers put so much of themselves into their profession that it would difficult to show them the amount of appreciation they are worth.

Wouldn’t it be nice, however, if we could give just a little bit back?

In an effort to do just that, L’Observateur’s fourth annual “Teacher Appreciation Program” is now underway. In 2005 L’Observateur conducted our first annual “Teacher Appreciation Program.”

We sought support from the community through advertising on special pages in our paper, then L’Observateur donated 50 percent of the proceeds from those ads to top teachers in the area. That meant a check for $250 to each of 12 teachers, and in each of the past three years we have given $3,000 to teachers.

This year we hope to do even more.

Not only did we hand out checks for $250 each to a dozen local teachers, but we also featured those teachers on the pages to tell a little about what made them so valuable and special.

“We have always seen our teachers as, unfortunately, somewhat unappreciated, yet some of the most important people we have in our society,” L’Observateur Editor and Publisher Kevin Chiri said. “And I’m not saying no one appreciates the work they do. But considering how important they are to our children, and our families, we want to do something special for them.”

For that, we need your help.

We need you to nominate teachers who you think are special. Send in their name, grade they teach, past experience and a brief summation of why they should be selected.

In the meantime, we are selling advertising space on these special pages, with L’Observateur donating 50 percent of the proceeds to the teachers. The more ads that are sold, the more teachers will get honored. The program is open to all teachers, public or private.

Teachers have always been one of the greatest assets of our society, yet for years there has been considerable agreement that it is a profession men and women select as a career, not for the money, but for the satisfaction of the work.

Not only can you buy space on the special pages to show your support of teachers, but you could also honor a special teacher of your own on those pages. Ad space that is purchased can be used to support the teachers who are selected by our panel, or you can specifically mention a favorite teacher from your past, or currently, that you would like to name in your ad. Contact our advertising department at 652-9545 to find out how.

If you would like to nominate a teacher for the $250 prize, send their name, school they teach at, grade, and a brief explanation of why you think that teacher should be considered. Please include your name and phone number for verification. Mail it to “Teacher Appreciation Program,” c/o L’Observateur, P.O. Box 1010, LaPlace, La., 70069.

You can also send nominating information on any teacher to kchiri@bellsouth.net. L’Observateur will also be contacting local schools to seek nominations from principals in the area.

We hope you will join with us in showing your support for teachers in the River Region.

The special pages will be published in L’Observateur on Wednesday, October 22.