Congratulations to Meadow Point Elementary kindergarten teacher Heather Curd, who was honored as a 2008 Wal-Mart Local Teacher of the Year, during a surprise assembly at the school on Oct. 9. Meadow Point is in the Cherry Creek School District.

Curd was nominated for the award by customers of the Wal-Mart store located at Parker and Chambers. Store manager Gaylene Baker said customers commented on Curd's dedication to her students. Baker presented Curd with a certificate of appreciation, a $100 Wal-Mart gift card for classroom supplies, and a $1000 grant for Meadow Point.

Curd is now eligible for the 2008 Wal-Mart Colorado Teacher of the Year, which will be announced this fall. The state winner receives $10,000 for his or her school, through Wal-Mart's Teacher of the Year Program. The program has honored more than 30,000 teachers across the country in the past 15 years.