After a memorable day at the White House receiving personal congratulations from President Bush, the 2003 National Teacher of the Year along with the individual state Teachers of the Year proceeded to the Hall of the States to be treated to a black tie reception and gala in their honor.

The Council of Chief State School Officers and Scholastic, Inc. hosted a grand reception and dinner to conclude the events in Washington. Speakers at the event included:

	G. Thomas Houlihan, Executive Director for the Council of Chief State School Officers
	Laurie Rich, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and Interagency Relations for the United States Department of Education
	Nat LaCour, Executive Vice President for the American Federation of Teachers
	Reg Weaver, National Education Association representative
	Ed Richardson, State Superintendent of Education for Alabama
	Bob Neighbors, Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools
	Ernie Fleishman, Senior Vice President of Education and Corporate Relations for Scholastic Inc.

Dressed in their finest, the teachers, hosts, sponsors and guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining and great company. Tears were shed, words were shared and above all, memories were made that will last a lifetime.

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