Hunter-Kinard-Tyler teacher wins national award

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Aline Newton, an English teacher at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School in Neeses, has been named one of five winners of the Rack Room Shoes Real Teacher of the Year contest. The award, to be presented Friday at the Orangeburg County school, includes a $10,000 grant for use in the school’s computer lab.

Newton will also receive free shoes for a year, a gift equivalent to a $45 monthly store voucher for 12 months.

“We know the value of being innovative in today’s society,” Hunter-Kinard-Tyler principal Mark Dean said in a news release. “However, this also can be a challenge when you lack the necessary resources and or funding. This is why we value the contribution of business partners such as Rack Room Shoes to assist us in our effort to provide a quality product for future career opportunities.”

Rack Room Shoes launched the national competition to recognize a teacher who has made a positive impact in their lives of their students in August. The contest received 129 nominations, with public voting taking place from Aug. 18 through Sept. 6. More than 13,000 votes were received.

“The Real Teacher of the Year Contest allowed individuals to say ‘thank you’ by recognizing teachers who have made an influential impact in their lives while also playing a part in giving back to their schools,” said Mark Lardie, president and CEO of Rack Room Shoes.

Student Kanesha Randolph wrote an essay nominating Newton, calling her “one of the best teachers to ever come through Hunter-Kinard-Tyler.” Randolph noted Newton’s willingness to give up her planning period to help students prepare for college as well as the 100% pass rate in one of her English classes.

“Ms. Newton always comes in with a smile on her face and tells everyone good morning,” Randolph wrote. “ … When you are looking for an outspoken, courageous and enthusiastic woman, call Ms. Newton.”