Cheryl Ivey | Paris School District 

$2,500 Award Winner

Gifted & Talented Teacher | 27 Years

Cheryl Ivey's passion is s promoting creativity, critical thinking and lifetime skills in her STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) classes in the Paris school district. Mrs. Ivey also manages the district's Quiz Bowl team and Rubik's Cube team. 

"STEM challenges students to work in teams to create, measure and think outside the box," says Mrs. Ivey.

Mrs Ivey also looks for potential in all types of students.

"People often think a "GT" student should be smart in all subject areas. But what a lot of people don't understand is that gifted students might struggle in traditional math but may excel in reading, so I advocate for those students to be able to pursue those talents. Students don't have to be straight-A across the board to be gifted." 

Often, after hours and during the summer months, Mrs. Ivey can be found researching new ideas and attending workshops to help enhance her students' experience in her classroom. 

"I never dreamed in a million years I would receive this award. We have so many deserving teachers across Arkansas. I can't imagine how many deserving teachers there are."

Lana Muncy | Hector School District

$2,500 Award Winner

Gifted & Talented Teacher | 25 Years

Lana Muncy breathes Hector Wildcat pride and is involved in a multitude of programs in the district. Before she became the Gifted and Talented Teacher, Mrs. Muncy taught Art, Music, Health/ PE and first grade

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Muncy raises the backpack program.

"Every week, I send home backpacks for kids that may need a little extra help. During the summer, we do food boxes for families."

Mrs. Muncy also believes in teacher involvement outside of work. Sometimes, we go bowling, go to the movies, or compete in escape rooms. We always eat. Every year, we do a recipe swap at my house, too."

Mrs. Muncy is also the Quiz Bowl coach, escorts elementary students to their cars in the afternoons, and is heavily involved in the Hector Scholarship Foundation, which has given out over $100,000 in scholarships to Hector students.

"I'm blessed with a great job, work at a great place, and get to do great things."

Tina Sorensen | Mountainburg School District

$500 Award Winner

Courtney Parish | Western Yell School District

$500 Award Winner