ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — It has often been said “teaching is a work of the heart” and that was very evident as the seven people chosen by their peers as Central Baldwin Teachers of the Year were honored by the Central Baldwin Education Foundation on Tuesday night.

Treated to dinner at Ivey’s in Robertsdale and presented with a $50 check, a silver apple-shaped platter and a plaque from their school, the recipients were introduced by their principals and shown much love and appreciation by them prior to receiving their awards.

Recipients included Stan Shambo, Silverhill Elementary School first grade teacher (principal Pamela Moorer), Kathy McMillan, Elsanor Elementary School special education teacher (principal susan Runnels), Central Baldwin Middle School 8th grade Literature teacher Betsy Kranz (principal Chuck Anderson), Robertsdale Elementary School Pathways (special ed) teacher Alicia Duncan (principal Faye Sheppard and assistant principal Diane Holmes), Loxley Elementary School 5th grade teacher Andrea Grimes (principal Dea Ramey), Rosinton Elementary School special education teacher Debbie Lanicek (principal Dr. Theresa Harden) and Robertsdale High School English teacher Angela Springer (principal Theresa Bryant).

“We are so glad to have the best of the best here tonight with our teachers and they do so much for our students. And our administrators are doing the best job as well. I would say we have the most talented and hardworking group in the state of Alabama,” said Brenda Pierce, vice president of the CBEF.

This is the second year the CBEF has honored central Baldwin teachers in this way and they will continue doing it every year. “This is so important and we are so thankful for our teachers and all they do for our students and schools,” said Ashley Kucera, CBEF member.

CBEF has five members on their Board of Directors including Jamie Hardy, President, Brenda Pierce, Vice President, Sam Driver, Treasurer, Cheryl Pischek, Secretary and Donna Gates, First President.

Began in 2008, CBEF’s mission is to enhance, enrich and support the educational experience of all public school students in the Central Baldwin area by providing support and the resources to supplement educational programs and activities.

According to the CBEF website, the goals for the year are:

-To enhance academic excellence in the Central Baldwin area schools by providing funding which is not available through traditional local, state or federal sources.

- To provide opportunities for teachers and staff to develop innovative projects through grants

- To invest in programs that have a positive impact on student success

- To encourage a continued interest in and support of public education through a network of business, individual and community support

- To seek and cultivate funding sources for educational excellence

Central Baldwin Middle School Principal Chuck Anderson also praised the work of CBEF at the banquet. “You are always giving back and doing great things for our schools. It makes such a big difference in the way we run our schools and in our daily activities. Thanks so much for all you do for us.”

To learn more about what CBEF does, visit their website: cbef.org.