Here’s where to vote: GAClassroomMakeover.com
BY PORTSIA SMITH
Marcy Pennella in Louisa County needs your vote.
The third-grade teacher at the earthquake-damaged Thomas Jefferson Elementary School has been named one of 10 finalists in the running for the Great American Classroom Makeover.
The annual contest, sponsored by Great American Financial Resources, is in its fourth year and helps three deserving classrooms nationwide receive face-lifts worth up to $10,000.
The grand-prize-winning teacher can win up to $5,000 to buy needed classroom supplies, plus an additional $5,000 prize for the school. Second place gets $6,000 to be split between the classroom and school, and third place get $3,000 to share.
If named a winner, Pennella said she plans to replace warped and damaged student desks and chairs in her classroom and add a host of supplies to help students focus on “making 2011–2012 the best year of their lives.”
Thomas Jefferson Elementary and Louisa County High School were severely damaged after a magnitude-5.8 earthquake shook the region Aug. 23, just seven days after the start of the school year.
Students at both schools are being temporarily housed in mobile units until the original structures can be repaired or rebuilt.
Great American Classroom Makeover prize winners will be selected by a public vote.
Between now and Feb. 29, voters can vote once per day by going to GAClassroomMakeover.com.
Winners will be announced the week of March 12.
Portsia Smith: 540/374-5419
psmith@fredericksburg.com
