YC Alum Honored

Graduate named a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year

by Sue Roush

Bryan Barnacle (class of 2001) was recently recognized as one of our nation’s top educators.  The Teacher of the Year program is a part of Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club long-term commitment to support education throughout the United States.  This is the 12th year of this program and more than $5 million has been given to schools across the country in honor of their outstanding teachers.  Since it’s inception in 1995, Wal-Mart’s Teacher of the Year program has recognized more than 26,000 teachers at the local, state, and national levels for their hard work and dedication. 

Barnacle was recently notified that he had been selected as a local winner.  One of his students nominated him for this honor by writing an essay.  The student remained anonymous, so Barnacle doesn’t know who submitted his name.  Because of this honor, Lincoln North Star High School, where he teaches English, Literature and Creative Writing, will be given an educational grant of $1,000, and the opportunity to compete at the state level. 

Dr. Kathleen Wheeler, chair of the education department, said : “We are thrilled, but not surprised at the acknowledgment of his gift for teaching. His passion for students and learning has always been evident.”