Jefferson City High School science teacher Ganey's selection from among six finalists was announced tonight (Thursday), during the annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet at Lewis and Clark Middle School.
"Teaching is a family profession, and we embrace our students as our children," he told more than 400 district teachers, spouses and friends gathered in the school's gym.
As the district's honoree, Ganey will be entered in the state Teacher of the Year competition, with the state winner to be announced in June.
Ganey and Jennifer Penserum, of the Southwest Early Childhood Center, both received the "Frank and Margaret Railton Award for Outstanding Teaching" award from the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation, which includes $2,000 for each winner.
The Teacher of the Year competition began with 150 teachers being nominated. A committee of parents and community leaders made the final selections.