James Finch

Marsha Blanchard, Chairman of the Kennett Area Chamber of Commerce Education and Workforce Development Committee recently announced that James Finch of Kennett has been selected as the 2008 Allen Oakley Educator of the Year.

Finch is the 14th annual recipient of the prestigious award which recognizes outstanding contribution as either a professional or community educator.

Finch has been selected for this award for contribution and dedication to the various areas of education in which he has served the community.

He is retired from Kennett Public Schools after approximately 30 years of service, where he worked in various areas from teaching music to Director of Technology for the entire school system.

During his tenure with Kennett schools, he responsibly and effectively demonstrated great leadership and wisdom as he pioneered the Kennett school system in the area of computer technology. In addition, he volunteered to help anytime he could, such as working the sound system for various school and community events.

Finch has been a leader in the local establishment and operation of high education in the Kennett area.

According to Blanchard, Finch's contributions to the local college initiatives include leadership in bringing the interactive television (ITV) distance learning method of instruction to Kennett and the entire Bootheel, teaching college level classes using ITV technology, training other instructors on ITV technology instruction methods, serving on scholarship committees, serving on fund raising committees and assisting with planning and implementation of college events.

Finch has also served in area churches.

He is the Music Minister at Third Street Baptist Church and has also taught the Adult Sunday School class there for about 25 years.

Additionally, Finch has performed and continues to sing at various events around the community.

A recent musical project in which Finch is involved with includes organizing community Christmas and Easter cantatas with Kennett and Senath churches.

In addition to his musical and educational accomplishments, currently, Finch is also involved with a program called Angel Flights, in which he, a licensed airplane pilot, flies patients needing medical treatment to and from medical facilities around the country.

Finch and his wife, Skeet, reside in Kennett. They have one daughter and son-in-law and three grandchildren.

At noon on Thursday, March 27, at the Kennett Country Club, Finch will be honored for his accomplishments and awarded the title of Allen Oakley Educator of the Year 2008. Friends, family and colleagues of Finch are welcome to attend the event to recognize and celebrate a man who has truly made a positive impact on his community.