Cotter English Teacher Keri Raycraft (3rd from left) receives $500 for classroom from Arvest
Twelve local teachers recently received $500 each from local Arvest Bank representatives to help with the purchase of school supplies. The “We Love Teachers” initiative was created to celebrate educators and to help relieve the burden teachers carry to keep their classrooms stocked. A 2024 teacher spending survey released by AdoptAClassroom.org recently reported that on an average teachers spend $860 out of their own pockets for supplies.
Sixth and Seventh grade Special Ed Teacher Angie Pike received $500 for her class at Pinkston Middle School
The teachers were selected by partnering with school administration based on classroom needs. “At Arvest, we believe teachers are vital to shaping the future of our communities,” said Scott Copeland-Regional President. “We’re proud to honor these teachers, and it’s our hope the award money will help contribute to a positive learning environment.” Over the past few weeks Arvest employees have been traveling to local schools to present the awards.
Mrs. Keri Raycraft a seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts teacher at Cotter Public Schools was surprised when she was presented her award in late October. “We are building a new wing of our high school,” said Raycraft, “and I can’t wait to use the funds to help decorate my new classroom.” Cotter’s high school principal Jarod Jefferson is proud of the hard working teachers at Cotter, “We are grateful for our relationship with Arvest Bank in recognizing outstanding teachers in the area. Mrs. Keri Raycraft goes above and beyond for her students and is always stepping up to help out where needed. Our tribe is extremely proud that Keri is getting the recognition she deserves.”
Yellville-Summit’s Alicia Drake, sixth grade Language Arts teacher receives $500 from Arvest
The 12 local teachers who were honored this year are:
– Mountain Home High School tenth through twelfth grade Special Education teacher, Buffy Houston
– Mountain Home’s Pinkston Middle School sixth and seventh Special Education teacher Angie Pike
– Yellville-Summit’s Alicia Drake, sixth grade Language Arts teacher
– Flippin Kindergarten through sixth grade P.E. teacher Sonya Hall.
– Cotter seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts teacher, Keri Raycraft
– Omaha’s Jennifer Kartes, a first grade teacher
– Alpena fifth and sixth grade math teacher, Kyla Wilson
– Lead Hill’s Ashley Grinder a second grade teacher
– Valley Springs’ Jessica Helams a High School Social Studies teacher
– Bergman seventh grade English Language Arts teacher, Sarah Moore
– Harrison Middle School’s Brittney Puls a fifth and sixth-grade Digital Instructor and Kim Bryant, P.E. and seventh-grade science teacher
Since 2016, Arvest has donated $539,500 to local teachers throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas.
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