Teacher Rob Myers and his 5th-6th grade students at Garden Valley Elementary School in Del Paso Heights School District had a pair of special visitors in their classroom April 2. Sacramento Kings point guard Anthony Johnson and power forward Shelden Williams stopped by the classroom to honor Mr. Myers as Sacramento County Teacher of the Year 2008 and to promote the importance of education.
In conjunction with the Sacramento Kings' "Read to Achieve" program, the players read aloud to the students and presented each student with two free books.
While reading, Anthony Johnson periodically halted to pose questions to his listeners. Many eager hands shot up repeatedly. Johnson told the children that he always takes a book and a magazine with him on Kings' road trips. Both Johnson and Williams challenged the students to study hard, to learn all they can, and to be the best they can be.
Both Johnson and Williams shared with students their recollections of their favorite teacher who inspired and motivated them. They reminded the children to appreciate their teachers and to value the lessons they are being taught.
Each student posed for a picture with the players and took home an autographed tote bag filled with gifts from the Kings organization.
For more than 15 years, the Sacramento Kings have helped recognize district and county Teachers of the Year. District and County Teachers of the Year 2008 in Sacramento County were honored February 1 during halftime at the Sacramento Kings vs. Charlotte Hornets game at ARCO Arena and at a countywide awards banquet presented in September 2007 by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE).
The Sacramento County Teachers of the Year program is presented by SCOE in partnership with Maloof Sports and Entertainment, Intel Corporation Folsom and the
Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry.
The classroom of Sacramento County's other Teacher of the Year 2008, Jeanette Providence of Grant High School, was visited in March by Kings players Ron Artest and Quincy Douby.
Information about the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year Program is available online or by phoning the Sacramento County Office of Education at (916) 228-2417.