An area educator is calling on the community for support as she competes for new funding to benefit her school’s music department.

Adair – Casey / Guthrie Center Band Director Kyra Babcock is a current quarter-finalist in the “America’s Favorite Teacher” contest hosted by Colossal. Speaking with Raccoon Valley Radio, she shared that the competition’s grand prize package includes a $25,000 classroom grant, a $1,000 donation to the school’s library, and a special school assembly with Bill Nye the Science Guy. Babcock noted that hosting a renowned figure like Nye would be a rare and remarkable experience for students in their rural district, though her main motivation remains strengthening the instrumental music program through the available funding. Those wishing to support Babcock must cast their votes via the Colossal website by 7pm this evening. A Facebook account is necessary to participate, and a direct voting link can be found here.