In 2002, the National State Teachers of the Year organization awarded Dolly Parton the organization’s first Chasing Rainbows Award for her work on literacy at the dedication of her Chasing Rainbows Museum at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Since then, Parton has honored each year’s winner — a teacher who embodies the spirit of the award and has overcome great obstacles in his or her life to capture the rainbow and help children.

On June 16, 2006, North Bolivar Technology Facilitator, Bobbie Clifton will receive the distinguished Chasing Rainbows Award. This award will personally be presented to Ms. Clifton by none other than Dolly Parton. This event marks the official Kids Fest at Dollywood.

After receiving teacher of year for Congressional District 2 in the year 2002, Ms. Clifton became eligible for the Chasing Rainbows award. After applying for the award during the first year of eligibility, she learned that she was not a recipient of the award. Nevertheless, since she received such a high score through the application process, a member of that selection committee took it upon themselves to reapply for Ms. Clifton for the award another year. This year she learned that she is a recipient of this prestigious award.

Ms. Clifton overcame great obstacles to complete high school, earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and raise a family. Her obstacles never kept her from her goal of making a difference in the lives and education of her students. Throughout her many years of teaching, Ms. Clifton has served as a role model for many children that have come and gone in North Bolivar School District. She now serves the role of Technology Facilitator, where she continues to make a tremendous impact. C路R路E路A路T路E for Mississippi would like congratulate Ms. Clifton and other teachers on their accomplishments. We encourage all teachers to strive to be the best role models for the future.

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