Local teacher a 2013 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award finalist

Jeffrey Pribble of Escambia High School has been chosen as one of five finalists to compete for the 2013 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award.

Press Release: At 10:30 am, Florida Department of Education Chancellor, Pam Stewart, along with Georgi Morales Pipkin, Media Relations Manager of Macy’s, were on hand to make a big surprise announcement. Mr. Pribble was shocked as the confetti canons fired off. Students jumped out of their chairs with excitement as the school band played a celebratory song. Principal Michael Sherill was ecstatic that Mr. Pribble been chosen as one of five finalists for the prestigious honor! He said, “He is my Teacher of the Year.”

Upon receiving the good news, Mr. Pribble was presented with a $5,000 check made possible by the Macy’s Foundation and a $500 Macy’s gift card. A $1,000 check, also funded by the Macy’s Foundation, was presented to the finalist’s school. This year, the Macy’s Foundation will contribute over $100,000 in cash to the state-run Teacher of the Year program, as it has done since 1988.

“The magic of teaching is something that we should never let go unnoticed. It is an honor for us to give a nod to Florida’s top teachers once again. It is their dedication and extraordinary ability that creates magical moments for students every single day,” stated Karin Darmanin, Macy’s Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Stores. “Macy’s wants to honor Mr. Pribble for making his classroom a magical place for his students and inspiring them to reach their full potential!””

“A teacher is one of the most influential factors in a student’s academic accomplishments,” said Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. “Each teacher of the year finalist reflects the character, commitment and qualities that help students realize their potential and ensure they have every chance for success.”

The winner of the 2013 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year award will be announced during a ceremony on July 12, 2012. The event, hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Deborah Norville, will be held at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios CityWalk.