Feature: HEART OF EDUCATION AWARDS at The Smith Center For The Performing Arts

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and The Rogers Foundation are still accepting nominations through midnight on Jan. 18 for the third annual Heart of Education Awards honoring outstanding educators in the Clark County School District.

Created by The Smith Center, a nonprofit organization, the awards promote teacher recruitment and retention in CCSD. Honorees are teachers who go above and beyond to support their students and finalists will be honored at a red-carpet event on April 20 in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center. The awards event will include live entertainment and a hosted reception for all finalists, with 20 winners each receiving a cash prize of $5,000, plus a $1,000 donation to a school program of their choice.

"Clark County has so many incredible teachers whose stories simply aren't told enough," said Myron Martin, Smith Center president and CEO. "The Smith Center has been moved by the inspiring teachers recognized in this event's first two years, and we are thrilled this program has taken off with so many community members submitting nominations. It is deeply rewarding to partner with The Rogers Foundation in celebrating the educators who shape our students' lives."

The Heart of Education Awards is powered by The Rogers Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to support educators in Southern Nevada.

"The Rogers Foundation is committed to shining a spotlight on the extraordinary dedication and passion of our Clark County school teachers," said Beverly Rogers, chairman of The Rogers Foundation board. "We are looking forward to this year's nomination process as more and more students, parents, peers and administrators share their stories of the many amazing educators right here in Southern Nevada."

CCSD Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky welcomes this opportunity to honor impactful educators.

"The Heart of Education Awards allow our community to come together every year and honor our teachers. There is nothing like this event in most communities across the United States," Skorkowsky said. "The Smith Center and The Rogers Foundation have found a way to tell the stories of teachers who impact students not only for one year, but for their entire lives. We are grateful to be partners in this endeavor."

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas serves as the program's Teachers Award sponsor, with additional support from KSNV-TV (News 3), The CW Las Vegas, Nevada State Bank and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Community supporters include NV Energy, Findlay Chevrolet, MGM Resorts International, The Bennett Foundation and Western Governors University.

Nominations for The Smith Center's third-annual Heart of Education Awards are open through midnight on Jan. 18. Anyone can nominate an outstanding CCSD teacher at www.TheHeartofEducation.org.