The roar of the crowd on the field at El Dorado Community School on Wednesday wasn't a response to the energetic martial-arts demonstration or because summer break was only three days away.

No, the kids at the K-8 school were cheering and applauding for two of their teachers — Roni Rohr and Megan Varela — who were each honored as a Teacher Who Inspires.

"This is not only an honor for these teachers, but for your whole school," Partners in Education executive director Ruthanne Greeley told the crowd assembled outside for the school's Field Day.

Varela, who was called upon first, was immediately swamped by students. Asked if she would say a few words to the crowd, she fought back tears as she said, "If I can talk."

"I really enjoy teaching, and I love each and every one of you!" she said.

"We love you too!" many of the students yelled in response. One of them, 13-year-old Carley Cook, said Varela connects to her students because she "listens to our problems like she actually cares about us."

Afterward, Varela, who has taught the fifth grade at the school for just three years, said the best thing about teaching is "the students — that's corny but true."

Her nominator letter noted, among other credits, that Varela's students "love to come to school to learn with her ... She has a manner that pushes kids to achieve their highest potential while recognizing the individual differences and learning styles of each student."

Rohr is an art teacher who is president of the New Mexico Art Educators Association and who was recently named New Mexico Art Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association.

"I'm shaking like a leaf," she told the crowd. "I want to thank you all because I have the honor and privilege to come to school every day where I have amazing teachers ... and students."

Afterward Rohr, who has taught at the school for six years, said the honor "really supports your inner soul ... and the magic of teaching."

Her nominator said that Rohr's "infectious, positive energy never seems to flag with students who are daily inspired by her example ... a big part of the artistic process in Roni's classes at all ages is discussion. She teachers her students to express themselves using their words as well as their art in a kind and thoughtful manner."

El Dorado Principal Anne Darnton said afterward that she and her staff kept the news a secret for close to a month.

Earlier this month, Christine Birée of Atalaya Elementary School and Judy Tyson of Agua Fría Elementary School were honored as Teachers Who Inspire. The fifth recipient, Tony Schillaci of Santa Fe High School, was honored Wednesday night. The sixth and last teacher will be honored at a public ceremony sometime next week.

Contact Robert Nott at 986-3021.