LASCO Distributors Limited and the Ministry of Education rewarded a few

forgotten heroes at the 15th instalment of the Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards ceremony.

The Montego Suite of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel hosted educators; Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites; the man behind the award, Dr Lascelles Chin; and a large contingent of the 'LASCO family'. Thwaites, in his short and to-the-point speech, thanked the teachers that he believes have laboured faithfully to ensure that children receive a sound education.

Keynote speaker Dr Wayne Wesley, executive director of the Heart Trust/NTA, gave a charge to the teachers to replicate their success. They were encouraged to look at students in a holistic light - more than the academic - so that they build rounded individuals.

It was then time to announce this year's winners. For the 2015-16 period, there were seven finalists in the teacher category and six in the principal category.

Nickashie Hardware of York Castle High School walked away with the coveted title. In the principal's category, first place went to Kandi-Lee Crooks Smith of Allman Town Primary School. Both winners were overcome with emotion. Prizes for first place included a trophy and $200,000 cash along with an all-expense-paid trip - sponsored by LASCO - to the 2016 ASCD Annual Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta Georgia. Runner-up prizes were covered by the Ministry of Education.

All the finalists left with LASCO goodie baskets.