Eighteen extraordinary Warren County teachers were honored Wednesday for their commitment to and love of nurturing children.

The Project Excellence awards are given out annually by the Warren County Area Progress Council and celebrate one to two teachers from each public school district in Warren County. Winners are first nominated by members of the community and then chosen by a panel that includes members of the APC and each school district’s respective superintendant.

“Awards fade, champions are forgotten, but we always remember that particular teacher who really made an impact on our lives,” said Bill Thornton, president of the Project Excellence Advisory board.

The honored teachers took time to reminisce about teachers who they looked up to, but also gave credit to the children they worked with as challenging and inspiring them to become better teachers.

“Your students laugh, they cry and they grow up right in front of your eyes,” said Mason Kindergarten teacher Christie Liensch. “There are few greater joys.”

“I love seeing my students gain confidence in themselves as thinkers and leaders” said Becky Rabe, a teacher at Dennis Elementary in Springboro.

“Kids know what’s important in life. They appreciate all the little things and they teach me to do so as well.”

Warren County Career Center teacher Rob Robison said he gave up a life in the business world because he found teaching to be far more fulfilling.

“Teaching is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done but it’s also the most rewarding,” Robison said.

Each teacher received $500 for personal use and $250 for their school.

“I feel like instead of a teacher, I should be called a door opener,” said Carlisle teacher Sara Ward. “I am a person who can help students get keys to open doors to a world of possibilities. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.