Overton's David Edwards One of 12 Semi-Finalists for "Live! with Kelly" Top Teacher Search

Online Voting for "Live with Kelly" Contest Ends Monday at 2 p.m.

After reviewing thousands of entries, the "Live! with Kelly" television show has selected David Edwards, an Overton Elementary School teacher, as a semi-finalist for its Top Teacher Search.

"Live! with Kelly" airs locally on ABC affiliate, KVUE.

Today, the morning talk show announced Edwards is among 12 national semi-finalists—and the only one from Texas--chosen for the online contest. Voting is open to the public and ends at 2 p.m. Monday, May 30.

Carie Hendrick, Janna Clement and Joleen Sanborn nominated Edwards in a letter that provided the show with insight into the elementary school teacher's commitment to helping all of his students succeed—from the classroom to the basketball court and beyond.

"Dave is not only the PE teacher at Volma Overton Elementary but also the founder and coach of a local nonprofit, Bulldog Basketball. Bulldog Basketball is a boys' basketball program for at-risk 4th and 5th graders on the East side of Austin. Founded in 2007 on the four pillars of academics, attitude, effort and excellence, Bulldog Basketball's mission is to teach its student athletes to be successful in the game of life," they wrote.

"The program promotes character development, hard work and leadership over wins and losses to create a culture of achievement both on the court and off. Dave, and his expecting wife Britt, use their own funds to buy snacks for the boys and personally drive them to and from games and even to and from school. He teaches these boys character and determination, and he rewards them with praise for good grades and attendance as well as their performance on the court. He is a strong role model for these boys, and he treats each boy as one of his own and they reward him with their hard work and adoration."

After the "Live! with Kelly" show narrowed the pool of nominees from thousands to 80, the show contacted principals, including Overton's Gilbert Hicks for interviews. When Principal Hicks learned about Edwards selection as a semi-finalist, he began sharing the good news with AISD's community of educators and families and the Austin community.

"Live! with Kelly" will announce the five finalists Tuesday, May 1, and will invite them to New York to appear on the show during the week of May 14. The show will award a car to the Top Teacher and $25,000 to his or her school.

To learn more about Edwards and to participate in the contest, please visit: www.dadt.com/live/contest/topteachersearch/12/vote/