Honoring Outstanding Teachers

Mr. Wind -- Teacher of the Year Winner

Education is a cornerstone commitment for associates at Wal-Mart, SAM'S CLUB and the Distribution Centers. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. continues to grow and expand support for education initiatives. We are proud to support and celebrate the outstanding schools and educators in the Atlanta area and nationwide.

During the past year, Wal-Mart Stores contributed $5.9 million to local causes and charitable organizations in the communities they serve statewide, and raised an additional $2.5 million for a grand total of $8.4 million to charity. Over 1,400 grants were given to Georgia schools in 2004 alone.

Wal-Mart, SAM'S CLUB and the Distribution Centers will give back $4.2 million in 2005 to the schools of winning teachers nationwide. We are very please to honor the exceptional Georgia teachers gathered here today.

Welcome Tony Samples Regional Vice President Wal-Mart Stores, Atlanta Region Mistress of Ceremonies Donna Lowry Education Reporter Channel 11 NBC-WXIA-TV, Atlanta Invocation Reverend Charles L. White, Jr. Director, Southeast Region, NAACP National Anthem Diana DeGarmo 2004 American Idol Contestant and RCA Recording Artist Dr. Betty Siegel President Kennesaw State University Mike Duke Executive Vice President President and CEO Wal-Mart Stores, USA Teacher of the Year Winner Alan Wind Chattahoochee High School Teacher