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WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AUGUST 20, 2026) — The Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation (WASDEF) is pleased to announce Kim Bearden as the keynote speaker for its fourth annual Cherry + White Appreciation Night — an evening dedicated to celebrating the contributions of WASD educators. 

The event will take place Wednesday, September 30th, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Michael Ross Event Center in downtown Williamsport. In addition to Bearden’s address, the evening will include the induction of this year’s class of Williamsport Area High School Distinguished Alumni.

Kim Bearden is the cofounder, executive director, and language arts teacher at the highly acclaimed Ron Clark Academy, an innovative middle school and educator training facility in Atlanta. More than 145,000 educators from around the world have visited Kim's classroom and attended her dynamic workshops to learn better ways to engage students, foster creativity, promote academic excellence, and create a climate and culture where all children thrive.

Known for her practical wisdom, contagious energy, and deep belief in the power of relationships, Kim equips educators with tools to build meaningful connections, raise achievement, and create classrooms where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired to succeed.

Kim’s work has earned national acclaim. She has been honored at the White House, inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, and recognized with the Disney American Teacher Award and the Milken Family Foundation Award for Excellence in Education. She was named one of Georgia’s Most Powerful and Influential Women by Women Works Media Group and received the University of Georgia’s Outstanding Educator Award. Throughout her career, Kim has been celebrated for her servant leadership, unwavering character, and lasting impact on students, educators, and communities across the nation.

Kim’s journey has included roles as a teacher, instructional lead, curriculum director, principal, and even a school board member—but at her core, she is and always will be a teacher. She is also the bestselling author of Fight Song, Talk to Me, Crash Course, and The House Where We Belong. Her newest release, I Really Need You to Hear This, is a powerful collection of poetry written from the perspective of students—reminding all of us why our work matters so deeply.

“We are honored to welcome Kim to Williamsport for our 4th Cherry and White Night,” said Taylor Chrisenberry, executive director of WASDEF. “Great teachers leave a lasting impact on their students and the communities they serve. Her reflections exemplify the difference that educators make, and we’re excited to celebrate our District’s dedicated teachers who inspire and shape the next generation.”

Attendance to the event is limited to current WASD educators and administrators.

WASDEF is the recognized nonprofit affiliate of the Williamsport Area School District. The foundation facilitates charitable giving and legacy contributions in support of educational innovation, the arts, athletics and scholarships. For more information, visit www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.

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