Heartwarming Teacher Tribute Program In West Texas Honors Chelsea Heard

If you have lived in West Texas for any length of time, you've probably heard about "Teacher Tribute". It's a heartfelt, brilliant program that was the brainchild of Arrow Ford owner Seaton Higginbotham.

In 1997 Mr. Higginbotham reached out to us here at the radio station, KTXS TV, Lamar Billboards, and a few other area businesses about honoring teachers who go above and beyond. These teachers are nominated by the very students they teach. A student submits a letter telling us who the teacher is and why that teacher is so special.

For over 27 years now we have honored teachers all over West Texas, and every time we present a teacher with their Teacher Tribute award I get choked up with tears (I'm a crybaby). It's heartwarming to hear the stories these students tell. Many are struggling with issues at home, some are struggling with issues at school, and the teachers have a way of fixing things.

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This week was no different when we rolled out to Clyde Intermediate School. There we honored a very special teacher, Chelsea Heard, who helps children in the Clyde Independent School District with special needs.

At the beginning of the school year, Ms. Heard had taken some personal time off to have a baby. While she was away the students missed her greatly. One student in particular missed her so much that she began counting down the days till she returned back to teaching.

That student would sit by the front of the school and tell her parents how many days were left before Ms. Heard would return. Upon hearing that story, I felt the knot in my throat and my eyes welled up with tears. Today we honored this special educator. I believe that everyone in Texas should know who these special teachers are because they are teaching the Future Leaders of America.

I personally want to thank Arrow Ford and Mr. Higginbotham for coming up with the program, and our friends at Miguel's Mex Tex Cafe, Buffalo Wild Wings, Lamar Billboards, KTXS TV, and HispanicLife Magazine for allowing me and the radio station to be a part of these incredible tributes.

If there's a teacher, coach, counselor, or anyone who's made a difference in a child's life, have the student nominate that person through the Teacher Tribute Website here. Below are some photos of recently honored teachers.