The Smith Center's Heart of Education Awards to Recognize CCSD teachers

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, known as the Heart of the Arts in Southern Nevada, along with The Rogers Foundation, created to transform lives through arts and education, is pleased to announce the first ever The Heart of Education Awards. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, the awards aim to assist the Clark County School District (CCSD) with honoring, recruiting, and retaining great educators.

Inspired by a program created by George Stevens (producer of the Kennedy Center Honors and The Smith Center PBS special) at the Kennedy Center, which has been credited with helping teacher recruitment and retention in the DC area, The Heart of Education Awards aspires to do the same for education champions in Clark County.

"Education is at the heart of what we do and I'm thrilled that The Smith Center is in a position to take a leading role in this amazing program," said Myron Martin, CEO and president of The Smith Center. "Through the generous support of The Rogers Foundation, we have the collective ability to provide a measure of support to the fine teachers throughout our community. When we show our appreciation for great teachers, they are more likely to stay in the profession, and when new teachers see how the community embraces their educators, we will be able to gain even more great teachers."

The Smith Center and The Rogers Foundation share a passion for education and together this amazing program will applaud the selfless work of our local educators for years to come.

"My (late) husband, Jim, and I have contributed to education endeavors for decades in Southern Nevada. It is my great pleasure to honor this legacy through the charitable work of our namesake organization, The Rogers Foundation," said Beverly Rogers, chairman of the board of The Rogers Foundation. "Nevada's future depends on the children of today. Therefore, we need to actively support the great teachers shaping our future community leaders in any way that we can, including programs such as The Heart of Education Awards."

In an effort to reinforce the ideals of the CCSD, The Heart of Education Awards will recognize hundreds of finalists in a celebratory evening that will include a red carpet, swag bags and fine entertainment on Sunday, May 8, 2016, at The Smith Center. The festive invitation-only show, which is the culminating event of Teacher Appreciation Week, will be marked by a grand presentation where approximately 20 teachers will be awarded $5,000 in appreciation for their outstanding efforts.

"Clark County School District has enjoyed a phenomenal relationship with The Smith Center. Education has been an integral part of its mission and The Heart of Education Awards is a highly anticipated program that underscores the commitment we all have made to the students of CCSD," said Pat Skorkowsky, superintendent of Clark County School District. "I often hear uplifting stories about our outstanding teachers. The awards now offer a public forum to showcase the dedication and excellence in teaching that is in our district. It will be a remarkable evening."

Beginning in October, applications and nomination forms will be available at www.TheHeartofEducation.org. Teachers within CCSD with more than three years of experience and who have passed their probation period are eligible. A group of community leaders will review submissions, narrowing down the field to approximately 800 finalists. The finalists will receive a gift bag and invitation to the awards presentation. Approximately 20 of the finalists will receive a cash prize of $5,000.

Intended as a community-wide support mechanism for educators, The Heart of Education Awards welcomes sponsorship opportunities to engage further transformation in our schools. To pledge your support, contact Tanja Brennan at 702.749.2342 or TBrennan@TheSmithCenter.com

For more information and to view a video about the awards, visit www.TheSmithCenter.com/TheHeartofEducation/.