Educators have touched the lives of everyone in Pike County in ways greater than reading, writing, and ‘rithmatic. They’ve inspired, taught compassion, and built up confidence for so many in the community.

That’s why this month’s Business After Hours, hosted by The Messenger and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, will focus on giving local teachers a much-deserved pat on the back during Teacher Appreciation Week.

“In working with The Chamber, we thought it was important to take the opportunity to gather as a business community to say ‘thanks’ to the men and women who work tirelessly throughout the year to guide and inspire our youngsters,” said Stacy Graning, publisher of The Messenger.

Business After Hours is a program used to connect businesses and help people network in a social setting. This Thursday, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., The Messenger will host area businesses, community members and, of course, teachers at the newspaper’s office at 918 S. Brundidge Street in Troy. Stop by for refreshments, tokens of appreciations for teachers, and a chance to personally tell a teacher how much they mean to the community.

“Educators are vital to the economic success of our community, as they are developing our future workforce,” Graning said. “That’s not a task to be taken lightly, and we know that the teachers here in Pike County rise to the challenge each and every day. We salute them.”