Lisa Bell, Central Floridian of the Week
A local teacher is getting big recognition from Wal-Mart for going the extra mile. He has figured out how to instill a love of learning long after graduation, and that is why Terry Porter is News 13's Central Floridian of the Week.
Porter teaches Wellness and Physical Education at Markham Woods Middle School in Lake Mary. But it is how he teaches that has earned him top honors.
Porter was just named Florida Teacher of the Year in the 12th annual Wal-Mart and Sam's Club State Teacher of the Year program.
Porter said the best way to teach kids is to get them excited. Once that happens, he says, learning takes care of if itself.
Porter arrives at school long before the bell to oversee student clubs and he often stays until well after dark, coaching track and running Intramural programs.
Thanks to his hard work and recognition, Markham Woods Middle School also received a $10,000 educational grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation.
"(It's) a wonderful thing. That's something we can use to buy a lot of materials with and things that my principal can use to provide teachers with some of the resources that they need," Porter said.
Porter's dream is to create a wellness and fitness center at Markham Woods with the latest cardio equipment -- even televisions and music. He also wants new health and fitness books.
"My philosophy is pretty simple: Every kid's a success and every kid should have the same opportunities and never give up on a kid, ever, because there is greatness in every child," Porter said.
Porter will now compete with winners from across the country for the national Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced in November.