Las Vegas, Nevada – Lamont Russell, a choir teacher at Liberty High School, is just two rounds away from potentially being named America’s Favorite Teacher. This nomination comes after NEWS.ORG 5 introduced Lisa Smith, a special education teacher in North Las Vegas, who is also a quarterfinalist for the prestigious title. Laura Penrod, the state’s Teacher of the Year, is another contender in the running.

Lamont Russell: A Dedicated Educator

Lamont Russell’s dedication to his students shines through his commitment to their success. With 27 seniors graduating this year, 17 of whom have been part of his choir for all four years of high school, Russell’s impact is profound. Even amidst the challenges of the pandemic, his students remained dedicated, meeting virtually for choir sessions.

Aspirations and Giving Back

Should Russell win the title, he stands to receive a $25,000 prize, a photoshoot, and an article feature in Reader’s Digest, along with a luxurious six-day vacation in Maui. However, his aspirations extend beyond personal recognition. Russell plans to give back to his students and community.

I’ve been wanting to give two of my choir seniors scholarships, Russell expressed. Additionally, he aims to establish a scholarship for music students in his hometown of Ardmore, Oklahoma, in honor of his own high school choir teacher. Moreover, he intends to allocate a portion of his winnings to Patriot Pals, a program in Clark County School District (CCSD) supporting special needs students.

Setting an Example

Russell sees his nomination as an opportunity to showcase the caliber of educators within CCSD. There are some great teachers in every building, he noted, emphasizing the dedication of educators despite challenges faced in recent times. Russell hopes to set a national example, highlighting the passion and commitment of teachers towards their students’ well-being and academic success.

Vote for Lamont Russell

Supporters can cast their votes to help Russell advance to the semifinals, further recognizing his contributions to education.

For the latest updates and to vote for Lamont Russell, visit the official voting platform.

Source: KVVU (2024)

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