Golf outing raises money for Fairfield Teacher of the Year

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield Economic Development Association & Fairfield Manufacturers Association are hosting their 10th annual Teacher of the Year Golf Outing on Friday, Aug. 6, at the Fairfield Golf & Country Club.

This year, the outing will be a new four-hole best ball nighttime “glow golf” event with check-in starting at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and glow products will be included, and the best decorated golf cart will win a prize.

Proceeds from the event support the Fairfield Teacher of the Year Award and the Manufacturers Association annual education scholarships.

Economic development Executive Director Joshua Laraby said the two organizations came together to sponsor the Teacher of the Year Award because they recognize education’s fundamental role in economic development and in supplying a quality workforce.

“With many changes that this year has brought across the globe, we, too, are trying something new and exclusively hosting a nighttime glow golf outing versus our former daytime event,” Laraby said. “We’re excited, and invite you to join in supporting first class educators.”

Golfing at night might sound impossible, but it’s achieved through a special golf ball that can be seen in the dark, plus glow lights attached to the pins so the golfers know where to aim.

“You do not need to be a skilled golfer to participate,” Laraby said. “This is meant to be fun.”

FEDA and the Manufacturers Association were not able to hold their event last year because of the pandemic, though they still gave a Teacher of the Year Award through donations from local businesses. Laraby said he was glad to see the award continue that year even though the golf outing could not.

“Educators are by their nature very service-oriented,” he said. “They give their entire self to their students. Being recognize for their passion and their dedication to their students and families is incredibly meaningful to them.”

The school district solicits nominations for Teacher of the Year, then a selection committee reviews the nominations and decides on a winner. The Teacher of the Year is announced during a teacher assembly in May. The most recent Teacher of the Year award went to Pence Elementary School second-grade teacher Heidi Bowman.

The Teacher of the Year award began in 1982.

The deadline to register for the golf outing is Monday, Aug. 2. To learn more about the event or to register, contact Ginny Hughes at ginny@growfairfield.com or visit www.growfairfield.com/golf.