Veteran Cherokee Educator A Finalist In MLB Contest

By Kristal Dixon

A Cherokee County School District educator has been named a finalist in the All Star Teacher Program. 

Oak Grove Elementary School Fine Arts Academy teacher Judy R. Stewart is a finalist in the initiative, which is sponsored by People magazine, Target and Major League Baseball. 

Online voting is now underway through June 29 on the contest's website, and a winner will be chosen to represent each Major League Baseball team.

Stewart is one of three finalists vying to represent the Atlanta Braves. There is no limit on how many votes residents can cast for one's favorite finalist. 

Thousands of teachers from across the country were nominated for the honor and narrowed down to a pool of finalists. The winners will be recognized at the 2014 All-Star Game at Target Field in Minnesota, and one will be featured in People magazine. 

Stewart, an educator for 33 years, has taught nearly every grade and subject at Oak Grove, where she currently serves as an Early Intervention Program teacher.  

“Judy is no stranger to sacrifice,” her biography on the contest website reads. “Her career in education began when she graduated from Kennesaw College in 1980, but the Judy's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at that time, and Judy became her primary caretaker, often not sleeping for days. Unfortunately, her mom didn't live to see Judy marry her husband, Scott, and raise two children, both becoming teachers themselves. This Braves fan has the utmost respect of her peers  And from the gifts and visits of former students, to the dances and silly songs and hugs and tears of joy shared with grateful current students, on any day, her influence and inspiration can be witnessed in so many ways.”