A total of 19 educators have been selected as this year’s Harry T. Wilks Educator’s of Excellence. The event to recognize the educators was postponed until Spring of 2022 due to Covid-19 restrictions.  However, each educator received a $1,000 grant to be used in their classroom or school. Each school chose an Educator of Excellence to be recognized in 2021.

“We’re very pleased to recognize so many outstanding educators once again this year,” said Katie Braswell, vice president of the Hamilton Community Foundation. “Carrying on the tradition of the late Mr. Wilks and his tremendous generosity to the community and to local education is something we’re proud to do.”

“When making their selection,” Braswell explained, “the schools were asked to consider the daily impact their educator had on students and the community, examples of innovation and going above and beyond the call of duty, and the educator’s overall leadership.”

The 2021 “Hamilton Celebrates Education” Educators of Excellence are:

·       Jacquelyn Baker - Intervention Specialist - Riverview Elementary School

·       Brittany Belew - English Teacher - Hamilton High Main Campus

·       Amy Bijas - Counselor - Hamilton High Freshman Campus

·       Lisa Brockman - Library Media Specialist - Garfield Middle School

·       Becky Broxterman - Technology Teacher - St. Ann Catholic School

·       Christina Dennler - Spanish Teacher - Stephen T. Badin High School

·       Lindsey Fanning - Second Grade - St. Peter in Chains School

·       Jason Grant - Third Grade Math/Science- Highland Elementary School

·       Jennifer Meadows – Kindergarten - Crawford Woods Elementary School

·       Amy Michael - Multiple Disability Intervention Specialist - Bridgeport Elementary School

·       Jeri Murnahan-Bridges  - Library Clerk - Ridgeway Elementary School

·       Jaan Pirn - Upper School Math/6th Grade - Immanuel Lutheran School

·       Carrrie Roell - Science and Religion Teacher   - Queen of Peace School

·       Meredith Schroeder - Third Grade - St. Joseph Consolidated Schools

·       Charles Smith- Social Studies- The Miami School

·       Cindi Spurlock – Kindergarten- Brookwood Elementary School 

·       Shelley Stamp - First Grade - Fairwood Elementary School

·       Nancy Taylor - Sixth grade Math/Science- Linden Elementary School

·       Angel Thompson - Media Specialist - Wilson Middle School 

“This is a great way to continue the legacy of Harry T. Wilks,” Braswell said. “His support of teacher recognition and program grants demonstrated his lifelong belief in the value of education and the opportunity to celebrate success in the 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, Mr. Wilks was a longtime donor and supporter of charitable causes in the community.  Thanks to support from the Harry T. Wilks Foundation this program of recognizing educators will continue each year.

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.