Local students will have a chance to spotlight their favorite teachers through Barnes & Noble’s “My Favorite Teacher” contest.

The contest, which began at a local Smithfield store, was picked up by the Barnes & Noble Company and has since grown to include winners on the state, regional and national levels.

“Barnes & Noble noticed the potential of a contest that thanked and supported teachers,” said Katie Rendine, community relations manager for the Warwick Barnes & Noble. “What better way to do that than with student submissions? It’s wonderful to hear stories of how teachers have positively affected not only one student, but whole communities.”

Middle and high school students are invited to write an essay, poem or thank-you note in honor of their favorite teacher between first and 12th grade before March 1, 2015. The entries are submitted to the local Barnes & Noble, where a panel, made up of the management team, will read them all and choose the top three entries.

“We want to hear a story,” Rendine said. “We want to see how a teacher has been a positive force either academically, personally or both. What we really want to hear is the passion. There is just so much our teachers are doing, and a lot of that can go unnoticed. Our contest gives students a comfortable way of expressing their joy and appreciation.”

The local winners, both student and teacher alike, will receive an award of store gift cards and merchandise that varies from year to year. There will also be a ceremony at Barnes & Noble the week after April vacation.

“When the submissions are read aloud you can see how much it means to both student and teacher,” Rendine said. “It can get emotional.”

Last year, there were 77 submissions for Rhode Island, and Barnes & Noble hopes to see more this year. Marc Brocato of East Greenwich High School most recently won the local title of “Favorite Teacher.”

The local winner will also be eligible for the regional and national contests. At the regional level, the winning teacher is awarded a $500 gift card. At the national level, the teacher and their school each receive $5,000.

“The Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest is just one more way for Barnes & Noble and the community to recognize how important teachers can be in their students’ lives,” Rendine said. “A bookstore is much like a school – both are places of learning and aspirations. And Barnes & Noble has always supported education through our Bookfairs, and B&N Educator Program, offering educators 20 percent off all purchases for classroom use and 25 percent on classroom and personal purchases during the Barnes & Noble Educator Appreciation Weeks. The B&N@School section in our stores provides educational tools for parents, teachers and librarians.”

For more information, visit Barnes & Noble’s website at www.barnesandnoble.com. All submissions should be sent to Rendine at the Barnes & Noble at 1350-B Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2015.