Thirty-nine teachers, primarily from local area high schools, were honored on Wednesday, April 19 at the seventh annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet, sponsored by the Highlands Ranch Colorado Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Graduating high school seniors, from local congregations of the Church, each selected an influential teacher to recognize, based on the significant role the teacher had played in the student's life. The event was held at the two-church complex located at 9800 Foothills Canyon Boulevard.

"Teaching, a Noble Cause" was the theme of the evening. Mary Gill, retired principal of Chaparral and Cherry Creek High Schools, welcomed students, parents, ecclesiastical leaders and teachers. After dinner, the program moved into the chapel where Mike Nelson, Chief Meteorologist from Channel 7News, read an excerpt from each student's tribute. David A. Jenkins II, President of the Highlands Ranch Colorado Stake, presented each honoree with a plaque and concluded the evening by thanking teachers for their commendable service.

The following teachers were recognized:

• Tim Brennan, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Danyelle Miller
• Sheri Bryant, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Ashley Fatianow, Barry Branden Reid and David Williams
• Denise Buckley, Wildcat Elementary School, honored by Parker Sperry
• Ric Cash, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Konner Wiscombe
• Shirl Chumley, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Brooke Condie
• Kaye Craig, honored by Natalie Morgan
• Diane Dykstra, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Erica McCollough
• Theresa Echtermeyer, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Sam Drake
• Mike Erickson, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Bryce Clark
• Dodie Guntren, Highlands Ranch High School, honored by Anyssia Jacob
• Bradley Johnson, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Melissa Coon
• Jan Kennedy, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Isaac Brimhall,Alexandra Hansen
• John Krumholz, Highlands Ranch High School, honored by Ryan McLeish
• Paul D. Lopez, Bear Canyon Elementary, honored by Caitlin Greeno
• Randi Lornell, Cresthill Middle School, honored by Stephanie Brown
• Jim McCord, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Lauren Kozak
• Schehera McKasson, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Steve Craig
• John McKinney, Mountain Ridge Middle School, honored by Emma Charsley
• Mark Merkling, honored by Joe Rutherford
• Ann Miller, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Keilani Stolk
• Grace Mossman, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Caitlyn Briney, Stephanie Cottam, Whitney Wray
• Joe Ortiz, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Eric Moats
• Kathryn Patten, Fox Creek Elementary, honored by Sharna Rossberg
• Sgt. Luke Q. Peelgrane, ThunderRidge High School, JROTC, honored by Preston Taylor
• Alicia Ridder, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Cambria Goettsche
• Anne Roberts, Mountain Vista High School, honored by KaeLee DeMille
• Michael Ryan, Highlands Ranch High School, honored by Spencer Hall
• Debbie Samuels, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Tyler Larson
• Heidi Schuster, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Sarah Whitenight
• David Sedivy, Highlands Ranch High School, honored by Amy Allen
• Mike Snell, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Melissa Horan
• Tom Sullivan, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Jennifer Skalla
• Tim Taylor, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Jordan Gallacher
• Mimi Tripodi, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Colby Gray
• Shannon Tufts, Highlands Ranch High School, honored by Megan Anderson
• Lisa Vogt, ThunderRidge High School, honored by Kristal Fletcher
• Mick Ward, ThunderRidge High School, honored by William Ard
• Ruth Wilson, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Danielle VanSuchtelen
• Mark Wurst, Mountain Vista High School, honored by Candace Landgrave