InVEST Notes Teacher, Volunteer Award Winners

InVEST, an education program that promotes insurance education in order to attract individuals to pursue employment in the industry, announced the 2004 Teacher of the Year and Dach Award winners. The InVEST Board of Directors made the announcement during a “job shadow” breakfast held with more than 30 high school students at the recent Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA) Big “I” Orlando Convention.

The Teacher of the Year award is given to a teacher who has made substantial contributions to his or her InVEST students. This year’s winner is Judy Burton from Timber Creek High School in Orlando. Burton received $500 for classroom use and $500 for personal use.

The Dach Award is given each year to an InVEST volunteer for his or her involvement in fostering the growth and development of InVEST programs. The award is named in memory of the program’s founder, Stephen Dach. This year’s winner is Kevin Mangan from Hugh Cotton Insurance Inc. in Orlando. Mangan received a $1,000 award for use in his local InVEST classroom.

During the “job shadow” event, InVEST hosted more than 30 students from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando for breakfast and a tour of the Big “I” Convention Exhibit Hall. Mentors networked with students and discussed how they got involved in the insurance industry and shared advice on achieving career goals within the industry.

Also held during the Big “I” Convention, the annual InVEST Silent Auction raised $40,000 for its annual student scholarship program. More than 125 items were donated by insurance carriers, independent agents and brokers, IIABA, its state affiliates, and others committed to perpetuating the independent agency system.