Teachers from the Northwest Classen Learning Community fill their plates with eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, biscuits and fruit during Oklahoma City, Northwest’s Teacher Appreciation Breakfast. (PHOTO: DANA WILLIAMSON)

With bright yellow hard hats perched on their heads and smiles on their faces, members of Oklahoma City, Northwest served about 450 teachers from the Northwest Classen Learning Community at the church’s 5th annual Teachers’ Appreciation Breakfast Aug. 17.

The teachers, many of whom have already started classes, were served a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and fruit. In addition, each teacher was given a goodie bag with a ream of paper, box of tissues, disinfecting wipes, notebook, hand sanitizer, pencils, staples, cellophane tape, markers and gift cards for fast food restaurants. Also, several dozen door prizes, donated by Northwest family and individuals and local businesses were given out.

With the theme of “Building a Legacy,” each table was decorated with construction items.

“It’s pretty obvious you’re in a construction zone,” Allen Marks, Northwest’s director of community outreach, told the teachers. “Just pay attention to the signs and don’t hurt yourself with any of the power tools on your table. For your safety and service, we have a well-trained crew of construction workers. You’ll know them by their yellow safety hats.”

Marks said the event is more than just an annual event.

“We see this gathering as an opportunity to say to the teachers and administrators of the Northwest Classen Learning Community that we think highly of them,” said Marks. “We think they are the best at what they do, we know they work hard to educate the children of the community, and we highly value and greatly appreciate all their hard work and want them to get off to a good start.”

Laurel Pierce, 8th-grade honors English teacher at Classen School of Advanced Studies, said she appreciates the members of Northwest giving their time and coming early to prepare breakfast for the teachers.

“It makes us feel the community understands us and our needs,” she said. “They also pray for us, which is what we need. It’s putting appreciation into action.”

Pierce, a member of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs, said she thinks it also helps some teachers see Christians in a better light.

Special guests at the breakfast were Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, State Senator Andrew Rice, State Representative Jason Nelson, Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Carl Springer and Regional Executive Director of the Office of Student Performance at Northwest Classen Learning Community Deanne Davis.

Teachers from Monroe Elementary School enjoy breakfast in Northwest’s gym. About 450 Oklahoma City school teachers attended the annual event on Aug. 17. (PHOTO: DANA WILLIAMSON)