August 19, 2009
For more information: Katrina Hall, 317-692-7805
Mindy Reef, 317-692-7822, mreef@infarmbureau.org
Riverton Parke teacher named Rural Teacher of the Year
A Parke County educator has been named Rural Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association.
Michael Lunsford, a teacher at Riverton Parke Jr.-Sr. High School, was recognized for his achievements during the Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast at the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 19. Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman and Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock were on hand to present Lunsford a $1,000 check. The award is sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau.
“Mr. Lunsford has all of the characteristics we look for in a great teacher,” said Katrina Hall, IFB government finance and tax specialist and a board member for the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association. “He challenges students to do their best inside and outside the classroom and contributes to the school system and his community.”
Lunsford’s teaching career has spanned 29 years, all of them in the Southwest Parke Community School Corporation. He currently teaches English, humanities, film literature and coordinates the U.S. history challenge at Riverton Parke. He also serves as the school’s public relations director and publishes The Panther Pause, a monthly newsletter.
Lunsford holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and U.S. history from Indiana State University. He has received several awards throughout his career, including Indiana State History Teacher of the Year by the Daughters of the American Revolution and Indiana District 6 Teacher of the Year by Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has been nominated by students for the Indiana Academic All-Star teaching award and has been named to the National Honor Roll of Outstanding Teachers.
In addition to teaching, Lunsford is a writer. He contributes to The Terre Haute Tribune-Star and recently published a book, The Off Season – The Newspaper Stories of Mike Lunsford.
Lunsford lives in southern rural Parke County. He is married to Joan Lunsford and has a daughter and a son.
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