Kids Choose. We Listen.

The Larks and Lignite Energy Council want to find the BEST teachers in North Dakota in 2024. We’re searching far and wide for teachers who always have FUN, make learning AWESOME, and EXCITE and INSPIRE students.

We’re asking kids to nominate their BEST teacher to be named the “Larks 2024 Teacher of the Year” at a Larks game this summer.

The first 100 teachers nominated received (1) FREE ticket to the Larks Teacher of the Year Theme Night!

The finalists for the Kids’ Choice Awards: Teacher Edition received:

  • An in-person classroom visit/assembly where Clark the Lark will SLIME your teacher
  • (2) tickets to Kids’ Choice Awards: Teacher Edition Night (Date TBA)
  • On-field recognition during the game with the student who nominated them
  • A personalized Larks jersey
  • Feature story in the Larks game day program

The overall winner of the Kids’ Choice Awards: Teacher Edition received all of the perks above, PLUS:

  • A $1,000 STEM Technology grant for their school
  • A $250 gift card for school supplies

2024 Kids' Choice Awards: Teacher Edition Nomination

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Student Name*
Parent/Guardian Name*
Teacher Name*
Write what makes your teacher awesome. What do they do to stand out? How do they make learning FUN? Why do students like this teacher? Detailed descriptions are more likely to be chosen.
Max. file size: 8 MB.
Can you submit a video explaining what makes your teacher awesome? What do they do to stand out? How do they make learning FUN? Why do students like this teacher? Detailed descriptions are more likely to be chosen.

2023 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Mr. Hanson

Washburn Public School | Nominated by Jaxon Solomonson

Due to Mr. Hanson’s retirement this year, Washburn Public School has named May 15th as Mr. Hanson Day! Washburn School had a ceremony dedicated just for him. Washburn Legion Post 12 folded the flag that was hung above the school that day and presented it to him, with honor.

Current students created a book about what they love about him and how they will remember him. He had former students and colleagues, even current colleagues who were also his students, come up to talk about how he has impacted their lives and to wish him well. There were many tears, and he will be missed dearly!

Mr. Hanson is an educator that makes you feel welcome and excited to learn. He holds all of his students to high expectations, and he takes the time to help each of them to succeed. If you are struggling, Mr. Hanson will take the time to sit with you and help you to understand the content. If you are doing well, he will commend you for your efforts and encourage you to keep pushing yourself to be your best. When you walk into Mr. Hanson’s classroom, you know that only your best will do. Mr. Hanson helps you grow academically, and he helps you gain confidence and become proud of yourself along the way.

When you come into Mr. Hanson’s room, you know that you are going to learn a lot about science and social studies; you also know that you are going to have fun doing it. Mr. Hanson’s passion for social studies makes history come to life. The way he describes science helps you to connect your learning with what you have experienced in the world. Mr. Hanson is famous for his “Dad jokes” and positivity. Overall, you can count on Mr. Hanson to make you smile and fill your day with learning.

2023 RUNNER UPS

Mrs. Loeffler

Elk Ridge Elementary
Nominated by Willow Ternes

Mrs. Blacksher

Lincoln Elementary
Nominated by Ave Moore

Ms. Zins

Liberty Elementary
Nominated by Alexander Kilwein

Mr. Olson

Lincoln Elementary
Nominated by Anthony Wittaker