Two Sparta teachers win awards

SPARTA-Two Sparta teachers are among the New Jersey teachers honored in Wal-Mart's 10th annual "Teacher of the Year" program. The awards were announced on May 3, which was National Teacher's Day. Local winners were Steven Bannat of Pope John High School and Roger Jinks of Sparta Public Schools in Sparta Each winning teacher will receive a $1,000 educational grant from the Wal-Mart & Sam's Club Foundation to benefit their local school, a $50 shopping card to buy supplies for their classroom, and an honorary Wal-Mart greeter's vest. Winning teachers also have the opportunity to apply for state and national Teacher of the Year honors. Wal-Mart is donating $47,000 in the state of New Jersey and $4.2 million nationwide.