The Teacher of the Year program started in the early 2000’s when Russ Brown, Director & Past President 2006, was tasked to create an opportunity to honor our Royalty’s mentors.  Russ, being a long time educator himself, wanted to create a program to spotlight those teachers going the extra mile to ensure bright futures for their students.

Each member of the Royal Court selects a teacher from their High School that has most influenced them throughout the past four years.  The ladies must write and submit an essay that demonstrates the reasons for their nomination.  All Teacher of the Year recipients are presented a plaque and certificate at their school along side the Festival’s President, a representative of our sponsor (if applicable), Royalty and Mr. Brown.

The teachers are then honored at one of our spring luncheons and invited to ride as a VIP in our annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.

The Lilac Festival is committed to the continued education of our Royalty Court and celebrate those who helped shape into the young women they have and will become.