For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS/STEVENS POINT – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and Skyward are continuing their long-standing partnership to host Educator’s Appreciation Night at Witter Field in 2019. During this evening, the Rafters and Skyward will honor one area teacher as the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year.

The selected teacher will have a bobblehead created of their likeness, which will be added to the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Bobblehead Wall of Fame at Witter Field. The honoree will also receive a bobblehead and be invited to Educator’s Appreciation Night, where they will be recognized on field prior to the Rafters game by throwing out a ceremonial first pitch. In addition, the chosen teacher and their family will receive free tickets to attend the game, courtesy of Skyward.

Past recipients of the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year award include: Mrs. Mary Sabo of Washington Elementary in Wisconsin Rapids, Mrs. Cathy Tritz of Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School, Mr. Bill Oswald of Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School, Ms. Jessica Fischer of Ben Franklin Junior High in Stevens Point, Mr. Scott Sigourney of Woodside Elementary, and Mr. Adam Klonowski of Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids.

“Teachers have the ability to change the life of every student that walks into their classroom,” said Skyward CEO, Cliff King. “By partnering with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, we are shining a light on the great work teachers do and the role they play in shaping future generations.”

In preparation for next year’s event, the Rafters encourage all students to nominate a teacher who has made a positive impact on their life and deserves to be recognized as the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. Students, K-12, as well as parents and guardians are invited to participate by submitting an essay (Criteria: 300 words or less, single spaced, 12 font):

1.       By mail to:
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
ATTN: Teacher of the Year
521 Lincoln Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494-Or-2.       By email to: hannah@raftersbaseball.com.
The essay submission should explain why the nominated teacher is most deserving of the recognition and is due Friday, December 7rd, 2018 by 5:00 pm. The essay must include the author’s home address and phone number at the top of the page, to allow Rafters staff an opportunity to notify them if their nominated teacher was selected. Any student who writes an essay nominating the winning teacher will receive four (4) tickets to Educator’s Appreciation Night, Rafters mock jersey, and an autographed baseball from the 2019 Rafters team!

The Rafters will announce the date of Educator’s Appreciation Night along with a full listing of the 2019 promotional schedule in the spring. The Rafters Front Office and Rafthouse Team Shop is open all offseason Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm.