17 Hamilton area educators each receive $1,000 grant

All 17 educators being honored will receive a $1,000 grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation for use in their classroom or school.

Each school chose an Educator of Excellence to be recognized in 2018. The honorees are:

• Bridget Adams, intervention specialist at Hamilton High School

• Ellen Baden, second-grade teacher at St. Joseph School

• Kari Espel, reading specialist for second, third grades at Ridgeway Elementary

• David Gretz, technology teacher at Badin High School

• Ann Marie Gutjahr, fourth-grade teacher at St. Ann School

• Wendy Carter Harris, speech-language pathologist, Crawford Woods Elementary

• Donna Hoover, first-grade teacher, Highland Elementary

• Ruth Houston, Title 1 teacher, Brookwood Elementary

• Abby Jackson, art teacher, Bridgeport Elementary

• Casey Koelblin, kindergarten teacher, Fairwood Elementary

• Elizabeth Larson, eighth-grade teacher, St. Peter in Chains School

• Gunnery Sergeant Todd McAlister, NJROTC Naval science instructor, Hamilton Freshman School

• Terri McDonald, speech-language pathologist, Wilson Junior High

• Beth Rudolph, intervention specialist, Riverview Elementary

• Evan Vogel, language arts teacher, Immanuel Lutheran School

• Doris Williams, art teacher, Linden Elementary

• Matt Wilson, history teacher, Garfield Junior High

In addition to the $1,000 grant, each educator will receive a piece of custom glass art made by InsideOut Studio.

PHOTOS: Hamilton Schools through the years 

Wilks, a local attorney and benefactor, died in March 2014 at the age of 89. A 1943 graduate of Hamilton High School, Wilks was a longtime donor and supporter of charitable causes in the community.

Having a lifelong belief in the importance of education, Wilks established a fund at the Foundation to provide program grants and honor dedicated educators. A tireless supporter of the arts, Wilks also brought international recognition to the community by establishing Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

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The Hamilton Community Foundation is a public charity committed to improving the quality of life for the Greater Hamilton community and its residents. Founded in 1951 with one $5,000 fund, the Foundation now manages more than 700 charitable funds.