Fluffy the Chicken

Today marks the end of my reign as Woodward's Teacher of the Year.

I've had a mixture of emotions about handing-down my tiara, and it was quite the bittersweet afternoon. Bitter because - well, because who wants to give up the glamour, fame, and perks associated with being queen bee of a small, northwest Oklahoma town? Sweet because I no longer have to avoid the pesky paparazzi who stalk me at every turn begging for my photo and hankering to know which designer I'm wearing. (Ok, not really!)...Sweet because I finally had the chance to express to the community just how much I've relished being their "TOY," and because I was given the pleasure of passing the torch to another much-deserving educator who has worked diligently to provide the children of our community with a warm, loving classroom and exceptional educational experiences.

It was also great to see some of my friends and colleagues who I never get to see when I am tending the birdies up in the nest (aka my classroom!).

So, for those of you who missed it, or for those of you who just want a chance to make fun of me one more time - heaven knows I present you with plenty of opportunities for this - here is my "farewell" speech. Feel free to post the mocking comments, but please - leave the pics of Fluffy out of this.

When I was five years old, my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Jane Goetzinger cast me as Fluffy the Chicken in our class play. As Fluffy, I got to wear a gorgeous yellow feathered costume complete with a big orange beak, and I literally got the chance to “strut my tailfeathers” around on stage. Every since that day, Woodward schools have been like home to me.

It has been a tremendous honor and privilege for me to represent my hometown and my school district as teacher of the year.  When I stood in front of all of you last year, I told you that I didn’t always know I wanted to be a teacher, and that is true.  I nibbled at many careers before deciding to become a teacher, but the classroom is truly my glass slipper, and this past year, you have made me feel like Cinderella. 

I want to thank CJ Montgomery, the Chamber of Commerce, the Woodward News, and all the vendors who have contributed to this reception.  The gifts and the opportunities that I received as TOY were truly incredible, and I will never forget your generosity.

But as with Cinderella, it is time for my ball to end.  

Congratulations to each of our six finalists. You truly are the best of the best!

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor and pleasure to present to you Woodward Public School’s 2011 Teacher of the Year…..Mrs. Nancy Shore!!