The eight finalists are: Ruthanne Cole, a biology and integrated science teacher at Pikeview High School in Mercer County; Charlene Galluzzo, a physical education teacher at Sistersville Elementary School in Tyler County; Jeanne Gren, a first grade teacher at Woodburn Elementary School in Monongalia County; Patricia Hanson, a fourth grade teacher at Lewisburg Elementary School in Greenbrier County; Debra Hussell, a preschool home visitation teacher in Mason County; Kirk King, a music teacher at Sherman Elementary School in Boone County; Jan Madden, a technology and general music teacher at Sherrard Elementary in Marshall County; and Kay Utter, a kindergarten and first grade teacher at Wilsonburg Elementary School in Harrison County.  

Past recipients, including Donna Ream of Greenbrier County, also will be in attendance. Paying tribute to educators since 1964, the Teacher of the Year is the longest, ongoing awards program honoring classroom teachers.