The Denver Teachers’ Awards will honor nine finalists with 2004 Distinguished Teacher Awards Friday, May 7 at the Marriott Hotel Southeast (I-25 and Hampden).

Since 1957, the awards program has been recognizing and honoring distinguished teachers for excellence in teaching. Each winner receives $1,000 and a personal tribute at the banquet. To be eligible, a teacher must have completed five years of successful teaching in DPS.

The recipients this year are: Sharon Messinger, Cory Elementary School; Jana Clark, Denver School of the Arts; Carrie L. Franklin, Dora Moore School; Donald C. Hilsberg, Doull Elementary School; Peggy Moritz, Lowry Elementary School; Judy M. Plock, Maxwell Elementary School; Laurie Shook, South High School; Tracy T. Dodd, University Park Elementary School; and Latricia Goodloe, Whittier Elementary School. 

Also, The Helen Phelps Award is given each year in conjunction with the 9 recipients of the Distinguished Teachers Award.  One award is given for a company and the other to an individual who volunteer in some way to help the schools in DPS. 

This year, however, DTA is bestowing three awards – one to an individual and two to organizations. Each recipient receives $1,000.

This year’s Helen Phelps Award winners are Sharlene Good  (individual award) at Henry Middle School; Nora Robinson, Director, Colorado Symphony Association – Education Programs; and Dr. Sue Hagedorn, Partners-N-Prevention, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and the School of Nursing.

  The banquet will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner following at 6:30 p.m. There also will be a silent auction held during the reception. Some of the items include a round of golf, bonds, and a one-night stay at a Marriott Hotel.

Tickets are $35. For more information or to RSVP contact Sharon Tave at 303-863-3701.