A retiring teacher and a nursing instructor received two of three outstanding teacher awards on Friday.

The awards are presented by the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce. Northridge Elementary School second-grade teacher Jo Lynde received the elementary outstanding teacher of the year award. The post-secondary outstanding teacher of the year award went to instructor Brenda Whitman at the Medcenter One College of Nursing.

Each recipient was surprised during a special presentation at school. At Northridge, it was a school-wide assembly, and at the College of Nursing, it was a reception in he lobby with students and co-workers.

"Thank you so much," Lynde said. "Thank you for honoring teachers."

She's retiring this year after 33 years of teaching. She's taught kindergarten and second grade over the years. She's known for singing and fun projects.

"I remember her singing, 'Clean up! Clean up!' parent Michelle Farnsworth said.

Farnsworth was one of the people to nominate Lynde. She apparently had an easier time than the school staff who wanted to nominate her.

"I had to call her husband, Steve, ahead of time," Principal Bob Olson said. "I went into her classroom and begged and pleaded with her until she caved in."

The thing is, Lynde has refused previous requests to be nominated for this award. She humbly accepted the award, and said it was a reflection of the rest of the staff at Northridge.

In honor of Lynde, some of her former students led the audience in a version of "Old McDonald Had a Farm," called "Mrs. Lynde Had a Class." The song recounted some of the animals she's had in her classroom, including frogs, chicks, caterpillars and a guinea pig.

Whitman was equally humble and gracious in her acceptance of the award.

"I'm just so touched and very grateful," Whitman said.

She was nominated for her approachability and knack for listening to students and helping them find their own way.

Whitman was recognized for her teaching in 2007 by the North Dakota Nurses Association.

Anyone can nominate a teacher in Bismarck or Mandan for an award. The chamber's business education partnership committee selects the winner for the three categories.

Winners receive a crystal apple and a gift basket with items from local businesses. The gifts included gift certificates or items donated by Neuromuscular Massage & Detox Center, Office Depot, Butcher Block Meats, Northland Financial, Medora Foundation, Grand Theatres, Ground Round and Peacock Alley.

The third award, given to a secondary school teacher, will be given at a later date.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)