The Best of the Best THIS YEAR’S OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS ARE JUST A SAMPLING OF OUR REGION’S GREAT TEACHERS
T
his year’s winners of our eighth annual K-12 Outstanding Educator Recognition Program are from public and private schools in both Ohio and Kentucky. Our committee picked teachers who went above and beyond expectations, and we’re honored to list these exemplary educators as well as tell one of their stories.
2019
AND THE WINNERS ARE Kathy Backherms Music Saint Ursula Academy CINCINNATI, OHIO
Erin Bannon
Sixth Grade Science Colerain Middle School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Erin Bole
Lisa Earnest
English DePaul Cristo Rey High School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Science Middletown Christian Schools FRANKLIN, OHIO
Melinda Boyd
Librarian Bethany School GLENDALE, OHIO
Kelly Flick
Seventh Grade Science Madiera Middle School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Learn More About Nativity Come see for yourself just how special Nativity could be for your family! Information Session Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 7:00 pm Coffee with the Principal Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 9:00 am
www.whynativity.org (513) 458-6767
A Catholic K-8 Elementary School 5936 Ridge Avenue Cincinnati Ohio 45213 w w w.
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Kate Gandenberger
Pat Hemingway
Fifth Grade Math & Science St. James School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Katie Keuffer
Fourth Grade St. Veronica Parish School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Art St. Veronica Parish School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Jan Herrmann Adam Gardner
Music and Drama St. Veronica Parish School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Art Villa Madonna Academy High School/ Jr. High VILLA HILLS, KENTUCKY
Jane Kyle
Dan Greene
Molly Hoctor
Leann Lewis
Elementary St. Gertrude School
Second Grade St. James School CINCINNATI, OHIO
MADEIRA, OHIO Michelle Hofmann Second Grade Our Lady of Victory CINCINNATI, OHIO
Karina Gross
Music Cincinnati Christian Schools FAIRFIELD, OHIO
Kim Icsman
French, World Languages Saint Ursula Academy CINCINNATI, OHIO
Saloni Hemani
Your first step to a
Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator DePaul Cristo Rey High School CINCINNATI, OHIO
better life.
Your first step to a better life.
Learn more at gateway.kctcs.edu/better-life NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOU. 48
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Special Education Piner Elementary School MORNING VIEW, KENTUCKY
English Simon Kenton High School INDEPENDENCE, KENTUCKY
Jessica Long
Biology Mariemont High School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Carol Lumpkin
Fourth Grade Fort Wright Elementary School FORT WRIGHT, KENTUCKY
ERICKA SIMMONS Principal, Mariemont Elementary School
When she’s not getting hugs and high fives from students, Ericka Simmons guides Mariemont to unrivalled levels of success. Under her direction, the school was honored as one of 349 National Blue Ribbon Schools, receiving the status of “Exemplary High Performing School.” Mariemont also earned the Momentum Award from the State Board of Education of Ohio for the third straight year, formally signifying consistent academic growth.
Kelli Nitardy
Kathy Lynn
Special Education Fort Wright Elementary School FORT WRIGHT, KENTUCKY
Music Our Lady of Victory CINCINNATI, OHIO
Jordan Paquet
Heather Mastin
Second Grade St. James School CINCINNATI, OHIO
English Simon Kenton High School INDEPENDENCE, KENTUCKY
Despite the recognition, Simmons, in her sixth year, believes there is still room for improvement. “We never arrive at this place of excellence,” she says. “It’s really a journey. Every year our students challenge us and push us towards implementing best practices in the classroom.” “She is a constant source of support for her staff members, both professionally and personally,” says Alex Lange, director of communications, “and will stop at nothing to make sure her students know they are cared for and loved at Mariemont Elementary.” – Noah Tong
Gina Smearsoll
Biology Cincinnati Christian Schools FAIRFIELD, OHIO
Kristin Smith
Intervention Specialist Taylor Elementary School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Erin McGhee
Lori Payne
Heather Talbert
English and Language Arts Taylor Elementary School CINCINNATI, OHIO
Math Bishop Fenwick High School FRANKLIN, OHIO
Ashley Milar
Cheryl Petry
Second Grade Middletown Christian Schools FRANKLIN, OHIO
Molly Walter
Fifth Grade Fort Wright Elementary School FORT WRIGHT, KENTUCKY
Molly Moehring
Vilma Salaverria
Spanish Middletown Christian Schools FRANKLIN, OHIO
Kindergarten Our Lady of Victory CINCINNATI, OHIO
Lynne Morris
Don Shields
Athletic Director/Physical Education DePaul Cristo Rey High School CINCINNATI, OHIO
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Math Villa Madonna Academy High School/Jr. High VILLA HILLS, KENTUCKY
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Special Education Beechgrove Elementary School INDEPENDENCE, KENTUCKY
Fourth Grade River Ridge Elementary School VILLA HILLS, KENTUCKY
Angela Young
Fourth Grade Math Madiera Elementary School CINCINNATI, OHIO
