Submitted by David Peck
On World Teacher Day, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties (UWLS) awarded two local early learning center teachers with the Red Apple Award for excellence in teaching on World Teacher Day.
The winners are:
Ms. Brandy Locklin – The Villages Early Childhood Center (Sumter County)
Ms. Lylia McCloud – Brown’s Early Learning Academy (Lake County)
Both winners have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to improving their children’s outcomes in the classroom. Each received the award, a spa day certificate, gift cards, and gift baskets to celebrate their achievement. The Red Apple Award is part of UWLS’ Master Teacher Program, headed by Thawanna Hurge. The program lasts 20 days in early learning centers across Lake and Sumter Counties and during that time Thawanna works with the children, along with the center’s teacher and director, to improve learning outcomes that better prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
“Observing these two winners with their students confirms that each of their early learning centers are not daycares but spaces where their children learn and grow to ready themselves for kindergarten.” said Thawanna Hurge, UWLS Master Teacher “Through our Master Teacher program, we have seen that EVERY child CAN learn and that often it is up to early childhood educators to figure out HOW they learn. These winners and each of our many nominees shows this belief to be true.”
The Red Apple Award and spa day certificate was made possible by sponsoring partner, Aflac Independent Agent, Linda King and the gift baskets were donated by Seacoast Bank. Teachers were nominated by their early learning peers and were observed and selected by a committee of educators and community stakeholders.
Individuals looking to donate to the Master Teacher Program or future Red Apple Teacher Award celebrations can visit UWLS online at: UWLS.org and select Make a Donation.
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About UWLS
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties serves needs in the areas of income, education and health in both Lake and Sumter Counties. Whether these needs exist among members of the ALICE Population, Veteran population, those who’ve never faced hardship before, or those who wish to support or volunteer to serve and share with others, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties facilitates and delivers a number of direct services and programs including the Master Teacher program, lending library, and Born Learning Trail for early education; the Mission United program to guide Veterans through the complex system of benefits; the VITA program providing free tax preparation, the Family Stability Services program providing financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utilities, and the Stronger Families program teaching participants the skills to increase sustainability and self-sufficiency. United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties also provides grants or support that funds programs in over 20 partner agencies or non-profits.
About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.
