Dolly Parton Presents A Kansas Teacher With The 2015 Chasing Rainbows Award
Pigeon
Forge, Tenn. (June 23, 2015) – Dyane Smokorowski was named the 14th
recipient of the Chasing Rainbows Award. She enjoyed a weekend trip to
Dollywood where Dolly herself presented Dyane with the award. Each year,
the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) honors one
outstanding educator with this prestigious award. The honoree is someone
who “has overcome great obstacles in his or her life, has captured the
rainbow and is helping children.” This year’s winner serves as the
Instructional Technology Coach for Andover Public Schools in Andover,
KS.
Smokorowski said, “It is difficult to admit that my personal
struggles actually prepared me to be a stronger person today. I wanted
to be someone who could inspire others to reach beyond their
environments, beyond their extremities, and to do as I have always
done—to dream big!”
In 2002, Dolly became the first to receive this award from the
NNSTOY. The award celebrated her commitment to fostering a love of
reading among children through her Imagination Library. Since then,
Dolly has presented the award each year.
Dyane Smokorowski’s name will be added, along with past recipients,
to the award displayed in the Chasing Rainbows Museum at Dollywood.