Castaic Middle School officials invited the Santa Clarita community to begin voting in the “Thank America’s Teachers” contest at a kick off ceremony held Friday morning at the school.

Castaic Middle School was selected by Farmers Insurance as one of only 15 national finalists for Thank America’s Teachers Dream Big Teacher Challenge, with five winning schools to be awarded with a $100,000 grant this fall.

Superintendent Steve Doyle opened the ceremony by welcoming the community and explaining how the grant could impact local nonprofit organizations, the school and the community.

“It was a very positive event. We showcased a lot of the work by CMSTV and we looked at the video Farmers Insurance put together for us,” said Betsy Schubert, grant campaign parent coordinator.

From a previous story: Due to Castaic Middle School’s making the finals in the “Thank America’s Teachers” contest, the community is asking for support when voting begins September 29.

Some of the attendees from the event include: representatives from the office of Kathryn Barger; representatives from the office of Senator Scott Wilk; Superintendent Steve Doyle; representatives from the KLAWS Club; representatives from Castaic Animal Shelter; Castaic Middle School’s grant sponsor; representatives from Farmers Insurance; ASB students; CMSTV students; residents; even some dogs.

Patsy Ayala, district representative for Wilk, presented an award to Doyle, CMSTV advisor and teacher Ro Osano and Castaic Middle School Principal Bob Brauneisen.

Osano, one of the primary writers for the Castaic Middle School grant, explained video production and the ability to set up video workshops.

The voting period begins today, September 29, and will run until October 30. Voters can cast their vote once a day per email account, and may use multiple email accounts.

To vote for Castaic Middle School in the Thank America’s Teachers Dream Big Teacher Challenge, click here.

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