Dolly Parton presented her annual Chasing Rainbows Award to Dyane Smokorowski, a teacher in Andover, Kansas, over the weekend at Dollywood. Smokorowski was named the 14th recipient of the award, and as such she was treated to a weekend at the superstar’s East Tennessee theme park.
Each year, the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) honors one outstanding educator with this prestigious award. The honoree is someone who “has overcome great obstacles in his or her life, has captured the rainbow and is helping children.” This year’s winner serves as the Instructional Technology Coach for Andover Public Schools.
In 2002, Dolly became the first to receive this award from the NNSTOY. The award celebrated her commitment to fostering a love of reading among children through her Imagination Library. Since then, Dolly has presented the award each year.
Smokorowski’s name will be added, along with past recipients, to the award displayed in the Chasing Rainbows Museum at Dollywood.
FAST FACTS
- Dolly will play a rare, already sold-out Nashville concert on July 31st at the Ryman Auditorium to benefit the W.O. Smith School of Music.
- The last time the legendary singer performed in Music City was over 13 years ago, and it happened to be at the same venue.
(The Pulse of Radio)
01/09/2012 – Dolly Parton – “Joyful Noise” Los Angeles Premiere – Arrivals – Grauman’s Chinese Theatre – Hollywood, CA, USA – Keywords: Orientation: Portrait Face Count: 1 – False – Photo Credit: Glenn Harris / PR Photos – Contact (1-866-551-7827) – Portrait Face Count: 1
