The Rapid City Public School Foundation announces that Justin Speck of Central High School has been named the new Educator of the Year. The honor, meant to recognize outstanding contribution to the students of RCAS and the teaching profession, comes with a $1000 cash prize from the Foundation and Independent Insurance Agents of Rapid City.
One of Speck’s nominators, Joey Lore, said “if he knew I was nominating him for this award, he would shake his head in humbleness, smile and continue sharing his heart with his students, their families and his colleagues.” He has held the position of Artistic Director of the Central High Theatre since August, 2004. His current teaching assignment is 6 sections of drama. His contributions include the formation of ACTS (Advocates for Creative Theatre Students), direction of the fall play, the winter Evening of One Acts, the All-School Variety Show (Cobbler Capers), and the spring play or musical. Central Activities Director, Darren Paulson adds “Mr. Speck’s ability to pay attention to detail and motivate our youth is second to none.”
Mike Talley, Principal at Central High School added, “Mr. Speck’s commitment to Theatre and his students at Central High School is unequaled. I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Speck for almost 8 years. His passion for the arts, attention to detail, and high expectations for students in his program have taken Central Theatre to extraordinary heights. We are very fortunate to have an educator of his caliber on our staff.”
The Educator of the Year program has changed recently. Instead of each RCAS campus nominating a teacher, nominations are accepted at-large from fellow employees, students, parents and community members. The Rapid City Public School Foundation administers the Educator of the Year program on behalf of RCAS. Mr. Speck will now be eligible for consideration as the Region 7 Teacher of the Year. Justin and the other nominees will be celebrated at a reception, hosted by the Foundation, in September.