Arriving to work on several chilly mornings recently, educators at all Polk County Schools warmed up to the cheers and claps, rally signs and recognition they received as they walked through the parking lot towards their classrooms. To highlight teachers’ commitment during these unprecedented times, the Kiwanis Club of Tryon believes these front-line heroes and essential workers need to hear it loud and clear: we appreciate that you have worked tirelessly for our students during this pandemic.

“We were looking for a way to express our gratitude to teachers, and the idea for a ‘shout out to teachers,’ seemed like a perfect opportunity,” Linda Greensfelder, president of the Kiwanis Club of Tryon, said. “We felt these events would be a great way to express our thanks to Polk County teachers who have worked so diligently through these past 18 months of the pandemic.”

During a “hybrid” meeting (in person and on zoom), Kiwanis Club members designed affirmative posters and banners and scheduled to meet at 7 am at each of the six schools in Polk County before the Christmas holidays.

The mission of the Kiwanis Club of Tryon is to improve the lives of children and their families in our community. For more about the local service club, please call 314-791-3268, 864-680-8511 or go to www.tryonkiwanisclub.com.

—submitted by Kathy Woodham