Teachers and volunteers give generously of their time, talents and resources to improve the lives of others and rarely expect recognition for their efforts. However, some individuals go so far above the call of duty that they simply must be recognized.

Two such individuals received well-deserved recognition by being named Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee’s Teacher and Volunteer of the Year for the 2008-2009 school year. The area non-profit awarded this distinction based on involvement in JA, commitment to the education of today’s youth and passion to carry out the mission of the organization.

Richard Sale, a Brentwood resident and senior vice president of Ross Sinclaire & Associates, was named JA’s Volunteer of the Year. He has served as a JA volunteer for eight years, visiting more than 32 high school classrooms to educate East Nashville teens on becoming financial literacy, succeeding in 21^st-century life and preparing for the workforce.

“Over the past eight years, Richard has driven from his residence in Williamson County to East Nashville to teach in high school classrooms more than 220 times,” said JA Director of Programs Andy Schenck. “I think this demonstrates how truly passionate he is about the mission of JA to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.”

Another striving to fulfill this mission is the 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year, Peggy Nolte. Nolte, a Bellevue resident, teaches 2^nd grade at Westmeade Elementary School (a Metro Nashville Public School). With 30 years of teaching experience, Nolte said she has been utilizing JA programs in her classrooms for as long as she can remember.

“I am passionate about education, particularly in association with Junior Achievement volunteers and community helpers,” she said.

Sale was selected from four others nominated for Volunteer of the Year. Other finalists included: Dustin Adkison of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Wanda Henslee of State Farm Insurance in Murfreesboro, Jeff Sampson of Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation and David Riesland.

Other nominated as Teacher of the Year were Kristin Cummings from Elzie D. Patton Elementary School (Wilson County), Debbie Hirsch from Pearl-Cohn Comprehensive Business Magnet High School (MNPS), Jill Olund from Beech Elementary School (Sumner County) and Mary York from Hillwood High School (MNPS).

Schenck explained that individuals are nominated throughout the school year for the commitment to Junior Achievement; a committee then selects five finalists in each category before choosing one standout volunteer and teacher for the year.

Sale, Nolte and the eight other finalists were recognized at JA’s annual volunteer and teacher recognition event, a Summer Block Party held in JA BizTown, JA’s interactive town facility used as a hands-on educational tool for area 5^th-grade students. More than 100 of the organization’s supporters attended the event, which featured games, prizes and food donated by Pepsi Bottling Group and Papa John’s Pizza.