Bill Rutherford named Sam's Club Teacher of the Year

At left: Bill Rutherford models the Sam's Club Teacher of the Year vest, May 7, 2002.

Gulf High School Director of Bands Bill Rutherford has been chosen as a Sam's Club Teacher of the Year for 2002.

Mr. Rutherford learned of the selection at a surprise presentation in the band room on May 7. He was given an award of $500 and the bright red Sams Club Teacher of the Year vest.

In attendance at the presentation were personnel from the New Port Richey Sam's Club, Mr. Rutherford's wife Kelly (GHS '87), his two daughters, Elizabeth and Brittany, his sister Cindy Pehonsky (GHS '81), and his parents.

Mr. Rutherford is a 1988 graduate of Gulf High School and a 1994 graduate of the University of South Florida. He joined the Gulf faculty in the fall of 1994.

Mr. Rutherford recently took 54 band students on a trip to Washington, D. C., where the students performed and toured the nation's capital. Fourteen adults also made the trip. It was the second band trip to Washington during Mr. Rutherford's tenure.

Mr. Rutherford was also recently named Teacher of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7845 in Port Richey.

Mr. Rutherford has continued the tradition of a strong band program at Gulf High School. Among the previous outstanding band directors are Wood Ross, who was the first band director, Gilbert Stansell, James Frederick Clark, Edward Francis, and Robert O. Lampi, who served as head of the Florida Bandmasters Association for many years. Music education began at Gulf High School in 1924 when Mrs. Herbert Waters began giving violin lessons to Gulf High School students. The following year she organized an eight-piece high school orchestra. Her first pianist was Mittye Walker Pierce (GHS '27), who recently turned 93. Her granddaughter is married to Mr. Rutherford.

The Teacher of the Year Program is the designed to recognize outstanding teachers throughout the U. S. and in areas where Wal-Mart Stores or Sam's Clubs are in operation. Each year in February, nominations are made on behalf of outstanding educators in each community. One teacher is selected per store/club to receive a $500 award.