When a Tennessee educator wins a national award, it’s cause for celebration! Sam Brooks, the virtual learning coordinator for Putnam County, was recently named one of the Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers by the Center for Digital Education.

He is the driving force behind the district’s online instruction program, VITAL (Virtual Instruction to Accentuate Learning). Under his leadership, the program has expanded to include blended learning, credit recovery, dual enrollment and distance learning, among others.

Brooks recently became a champion of Odysseyware, and when the company’s Tennessee representative, Jason Reavis, heard about Sam’s award, he immediately began planning a party in his honor. More than 30 of Sam’s friends and colleagues from all around the state gathered for a cocktail hour at LEAD!

Senior officials from the Tennessee Department of Education even showed up to celebrate, including the deputy commissioner of education and the director of personalized learning, among others.

Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks courtesy of Odysseyware, a PRP client. The principal of Sam’s school, Sharon Anderson, even made a special surprise request to include Sam’s favorite food – hot wings! Between the great food and the fun guests, the event was a huge success.

For more information on Odysseyware, visit them online at www.odysseyware.com.