Since 1995, Wal-Marts across the nation have taken notice of the importance of teachers. To show area teachers appreciation for their hard work, Greenville's Wal-Mart held a Teacher Recognition night on Sunday, August 12.

"We just wanted to recognize teachers in Butler County and tell them how much we appreciate them," said June Earnest, Greenville Wal-Mart's community coordinator.

Wal-Mart hosted 48 teachers from the nine Butler County schools as well as each of the principals.

"We had a drawing for four $25 gift cards and presented each of the schools with a $500 check," said Earnest. "After each of the schools were presented with their checks, we had a drawing for an extra $500 which Greenville Middle School won."

Among the teachers that attended the event was Butler County's Teacher of the Year Regina Parker, who teaches fourth grade at Fort Dale Academy, who also was awarded the honor of Teacher of the Year for Alabama. Parker was presented a $500 check for winning the honor at the local level and will be presented a $1,500 check for the state honor.

"We put a box at the front of the store and the children get to vote on their teachers for who they think should be the winning teacher," said Earnest.

Miss Camellia Scarlotte Deupree also was present at the event to distribute the awards.

The Teacher of the Year award is sponsored by Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and the Miss America Organization in an effort to recognize and reward U.S. teachers who have distinguished themselves as leaders and mentors. Last year, Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs associates raised and donated $8.8 million to education through the Teacher of the Year Program, scholarships and local giving through stores and clubs. In total, the company contributed nearly $27 million last year in support of education.

Greenville's Wal-Mart also recently worked with the Greenville High School cheerleaders and the majorettes to help raise money. The store donated $500 to each organization.