Teachers perform admirable, selfless acts that many people don’t get to see on a daily basis.

They aren’t seeking recognition or huge financial rewards, they do these things because they have a passion, and that passion is developing kids’ minds and helping mold them into educated, respectful adults.

In the Bowling Green and Warren County school systems, we are fortunate to have an abundance of great teachers who go above and beyond while educating our youth.

One of those teachers is Harold “Doug”  Lathrem, 62, a sixth-grade teacher at Warren Elementary School.

Lathrem, who is in his tenth year of teaching at the school, was recently honored as the grand prize winner and Teacher Hero at Save Our Kids Coalition’s eighth annual Teacher Hero Banquet in Bowling Green.

The retiring teacher said he worked with student Jaci Durbin, 12, when she had some personal issues in her life. Lathrem served as her homeroom teacher. Out of appreciation for his help, Jaci nominated Lathrem for the award. 

Lathrem, who many describe as gracious and humble, described Jaci as “an excellent student who may go a long way in life” due to her attitude.

One can tell that there is a deep respect between student and teacher. 

More than 1,000 letters were received as nominations this year, and there were 48 finalists. 

We are sure all of them were qualified, but Lathrem appears to have been a great choice, and we commend him on receiving this award.