Area schools have nominated someone from their campus to be recognized, including teachers, counselors and custodians. All 19 honorees will receive a $1,000 grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation to be used in their classroom or at their school. Each will receive a custom made picture frame made by artists at InsideOut Studio.
The 2023 “Hamilton Celebrates Education” Educators of Excellence are:
- Elijah Balsbaugh, Intervention Specialist at Bridgeport Elementary School
- Colleen Brewer, English Language Learner Teacher at The Miami School
- Kelsey Brooks, Math Teacher at Garfield Middle School
- Amy Butterfield, English as a Second Language Teacher at Highland Elementary School
- Michele Campbell, Third Grade Teacher at Queen of Peace School
- Steve Connaughton, English as a Second Language Teacher at Crawford Woods Elementary School
- Katy Cook, Instructional Coach at Linden Elementary School
- Emily Fontaine, First Grade Teacher at St. Ann Catholic School
- Mme. Christina French, Science & Language Arts Teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School
- Debbie Gleason, Custodian at St. Peter in Chains School
- Sarah Graf-Philpot, Intervention Specialist at St. Joseph Consolidated School
- Steve Heckman, Social Studies Teacher at Hamilton High School Main Campus
- Tina Mazzeo, Title 1 Teacher at Brookwood Elementary School
- Laura McFarland, Counselor at Stephen T. Badin High School
- Eryn McNabb, Intervention Specialist at Hamilton High School Freshman Campus
- James Platt, Custodian at Ridgeway Elementary School
- Roberta Smiley, Kindergarten Teacher at Riverview Elementary School
- Gaby Tagliamonte, Math Teacher at Wilson Middle School
- Brandi Taulbee, Kindergarten Teacher at Fairwood Elementary School
The event will include student musical entertainment by students from Hamilton and Badin high schools.
Harry T. Wilks, a local attorney and benefactor, passed away in March 2014 at the age of 89. A 1943 graduate of Hamilton High School, Harry was a longtime donor and supporter of charitable causes in the community. Having a lifelong belief in the importance of education, Harry established a fund at the Foundation to provide program grants and honor dedicated educators.
A tireless supporter of the arts, Harry brought international recognition to the community by establishing Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.
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