Ponca City Public Schools has announced the 2011 site Teacher of the Year nominees.

Each elementary school is allowed to have one nominee, with the secondary schools having more than one to allow a more proportional representation from each site.

The three finalists have been selected, but the District Teacher of the Year will not be announced until the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet Tuesday night at Ponca City High School.

This year's theme for the banquet is "Spotlight on Education." This is the 10th year for Ponca City to host an evening banquet in honor of the Teachers of the Year.

"We believe our outstanding educators deserve this kind of recognition. We would like to thank the many local businesses who donated gifts again this year that will be presented to the teachers at the banquet," said School Superintendent Dr. David Pennington.

The three finalists for Teacher of the Year are Traci McHenry, Ryan Shelton and Ferran Weese.

Traci McHenry,

Union Fifth Grade

"Union Elementary's Teacher of the Year candidate is in the spotlight because she puts the spotlight on her students. She is a great community builder, both in and out of the classroom," Principal Shelley Arrott said. "Ms. McHenry creates an atmosphere that is safe, warm and friendly where students are comfortable enough to be risk takers because they know they are supported by their teacher and peers. Not only does she put the spotlight on her students, but also on her school. She is involved with everything that occurs at Union from recognizing parents to teaching dance steps for our programs. Her continual desire to grow professionally and make a difference for all stakeholders at Union confirms that teaching is more than just a job for Traci. It is her calling. Wherever there is a spotlight at Union, you will find Ms. McHenry."

Ryan Shelton,

Ponca City High School

English

"Mr. Shelton is in the spotlight because of his ability to motivate his students and bring the best out of themselves. Mr. Shelton is always there to help his students reach all of their goals and meet his expectations. He is always challenging his students and makes a difference in their lives," said Principal Bo Hannaford.

Ferran Weese,

East Middle School Science

"Ferran Weese is in the spotlight because she radiates encouragement, professionalism, innovation, excitement and on top of this, is passionate about student learning, student success, science and life," said East Middle School Principal Barbara Davis.

Other Candidates

Wendy Terrazas,

Garfield Fourth Grade

"Wendy Terrazas is a gifted teacher," Garfield Principal Lori Ryan-Elliott said. "She uses her spotlight in education not as a source of producing a reflection for students to copy, but to light the way for students to recognize the rewards education and diligence insure."

Tiffany Hunt,

Liberty First Grade

"Ms. Hunt does a great job creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, are loved, and are challenged to be their best," said Liberty Principal Meghan Eliason. "She works hard to specialize instruction for her students and recognize student success for academics and behavior. Ms. Hunt includes parents in the important learning of their students and is a valuable member of the Liberty team."

Merle Ann Miller,

Lincoln Kindergarten

"At 'Lincolnwood,' our Teacher of the Year candidate is in the spotlight because she shines the spotlight on children and education," said Carla Fry, Lincoln Principal. "In Mrs. Miller's class, it is lights, camera, action every day as students strive to achieve S.M.A.R.T. goals. She works hard to cultivate relationships with students, teachers and families and provides a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on or a kind smile to all who meet her. In Mrs. Miller's class, she is engaged with children who are on task, manipulating content and moving forward. There is little doubt that Mrs. Miller has rolled out the red carpet for learning and her stars are walking up that red carpet toward a bright and rewarding future."

Aaron Cawley,

Roosevelt Fifth Grade

"Mr. Cawley is in the spotlight because he is the epitome of a true 'Roughrider,'" Principal Ronda Merrifield said. "He tackles all challenges with gusto, models what he expects and constantly pushes his students and peers to think and solve problems at a deeper level. He lights the way for his fifth graders by developing their confidence, improving their self reliance while fanning the flames of their dreams to be leaders in the 21st century. Roosevelt Roughriders are 'bully' on Mr. Cawley."

Daren Love,

Trout Music

"Our Teacher of the Year candidate is in the spotlight because he is a star," Principal Dawn Mills said. "Mr. Love is amazing. He works to give all students a taste of all aspects of music. He works on the elements of vocal music including staff, measure, beat, rhythm, pitch and tone, but he doesn't stop there. Students are allowed to experiment with keyboard, drum, recorder and guitar. He even started teaching band before and after school so more students could get a foundation in music. Mr. Love continually looks for ways to include the classroom content into his music program. He teaches about shapes, colors, rhyme, numbers and story through song. He is a dedicated educator who genuinely loves his job and is not afraid to put on a pig nose to keep kids interested. Trout is proud to be represented by such a fine example. Thank you, Mr. Love."

Kristie Eason,

Woodlands Kindergarten

"Kristie Eason is not one to turn a spotlight on herself," said Woodlands Principal Becky Krueger. "However, her dedication to her students and her work ethic makes her shine far above what is expected of any teacher. She is often the first to arrive and leaves well after her students are dismissed. The spotlight could be turned on her during any part of her day as she individualizes instruction, creates fun activities for learning and genuinely cares for each of her students. Woodlands Elementary is proud to shine our spotlight on Kristie Eason as our Teacher of the Year."

Troy Buller,

Ponca City High School Math

"Mr. Buller is in the spotlight because of his ability to connect with students," Ponca City Senior High School Principal Bo Hannaford said. "Troy builds relationships with kids and uses technology to motivate his students. He wants his students to be successful and they know it. He truly believes in kids, and they believe in him."

Ryan Burkett,

Ponca City High School Math

"Mr. Burkett is in the spotlight because of his expectation of excellence within his classroom," Principal Hannaford said. "Mr. Burkett challenges his students every day in preparation for their future. He is always concerned with his students reaching and maintaining a high level of learning within his classroom."

Karla Streeter,

West Middle School Seventh Grade

"Our Teacher of the Year candidate is in the spotlight because she is a great teacher," said West Middle School Principal Barbara Cusick. "She builds relationships with her students and her classes are always active, promoting learning. Her fellow teachers would tell you her classes are a reflection of her personality, warm and inviting. Karla is a leader and not afraid to try new things. She continues to look for ways to motivate her students and celebrate their successes. Her students love "Mrs. Streeter" because she is one of a kind — funny, motivating, mothering, and has high expectations of each student."

Jackie Bufton,

West Middle School

Home Ec

"Our Teacher of the Year candidate is in the spotlight because of the devotion she has toward the staff and students at West," Principal Barbara Cusick said. "Outside of the classroom, Jackie has taken on the task of recycling and improving our school with planting flowers and shrubs and maintaining flower beds throughout the summer months. Inside the classroom, she teaches life skills to students — things students will use throughout their lifetime. Her devotion to students is evident through her daily interactions with them. She is a teacher, advocate, role model and cheerleader for students."

Steven Keller,

Alternative School

"Mr. Keller deserves the spotlight because of his boundless dedication to his students, past and present," Principal Chuck Bayha said. "Mr. Keller has an amazing way of helping his students be successful and enjoy school. They are expected to work hard and push themselves academically, but they love being at school. There is never a dull moment in Mr. Keller's class. Ask him about the portable CD player one of his students made and brought to school. His complaint was that it made his back ache. It used a car battery to power it."