Since 2011, the Royals have joined Missouri Lottery to honor outstanding educators through the Missouri Lottery Stars of the Classroom recognition program. Prior to six Royals games throughout the summer, Missouri Lottery and the Royals celebrate the achievements of top teachers from six school districts in the metro area.
The Missouri Lottery has contributed more than $4 billion to the state of Missouri and its public education programs and generates more than $250 million for vital education programs each year.
The Royals work in partnership with local school districts to honor an outstanding educator with the Stars of the Classroom award. Each teacher receives four (4) tickets to the game, a parking pass and are featured during a special presentation prior to the game.
Janita Butler has excellent teaching strategies and wonderful classroom management skills utilizing daily communication with her parents and keeps them informed of their students, both academic and socially. Using creative and effective techniques that keep her students engaged and on task, Janitaâs room has become the districtâs showcase for other educators throughout the state.
April is the Kansas City Area District Teacher of the Year for the Missouri Associate of Health, PE, Recreation and Dance. She is well respected by her fellow teachers, parents and especially the students throughout the district.
In 2001 Natalie began teaching 6th Grade Science at Pioneer Ridge Middle School, then 3 years ago became certified in Biology and was hired on at Van Horn High School as a Biology teacher. Natalie believes that the success of students at Van Horn High School is largely due to the dedication and support of the wonderful staff at her school.
Jeanie Cook, kindergarten teacher at Pleasant Lea Elementary, was named Lee Summit's 2012 Teacher of the Year. With 22 years of teaching experience, Jeanie strongly believes in building relationships with children and their families. She has been praised by parents for her positive attitude, ability to make learning fun and her focus on meeting the individual needs of each child.
Claudia Molina is a foreign language teacher in the Foreign Language Academy of the Kansas City School District and has tirelessly worked to help her 6th grade students develop their language skills in preparation to become future leaders.
Kindergarten teacher Karen Cangelose is a kind, loving teacher who goes above and beyond in her efforts to ease the transition from home to school for both her students and their parents. In addition, Karen is an outstanding leader at Bell Prairie and in the community, serving on the school PTA, as a member of the building leadership team, mentoring first year teachers and volunteering in her church.
For more information, fans can contact the Royals' Community Relations department at communityrelations@royals.mlb.com.
