2020 Excellence in Education Celebration Program

2020 Excellence in Education Celebration Presented by July 30, 2020

WELCOME Welcome to the 2020 Excellence in Education Celebration!

In its 11th year, the Excellence in Education Celebration provides a much-needed opportunity to recognize all who are vital to the development of Northern Kentucky’s future leaders. We celebrate educators who go above and beyond to help students achieve success; we honor students for their academic achievement, leadership and resiliency; and we recognize community and business leaders for their commitment to supporting and leading initiatives that help prepare students for college, career, and life.

This year, our region’s educators, students, and parents have faced challenges unlike anything we’ve previously experienced. We are inspired by their resiliency and their ability to come together to support those in need and ensure education in our region continued. Now, as the 2020-21 school year approaches with much of the same uncertainty, let us pause to celebrate how much our local educators are valued and appreciated.

Our region’s continued success lies in our ability to build and sustain partnerships across education, business and community. Through regional efforts and collaboration, the Northern Kentucky Education Council and Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce have continually committed to broad community involvement that contributes to progress for our youth.

Let’s maintain this momentum beyond today to help us build even greater capacity. Together we can ensure that each and every student reaches their full potential!

Thank you for celebrating with us!

Randy J. Poe Executive Director Northern Kentucky Education Council

Brent Cooper President & CEO NKY Chamber

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

NKYEC CIRCLE OF CHAMPIONS

TODAY’S EMCEE

Kathrine Nero is a freelance journalist and media personality with more than 20 years’ experience in the Tri-State. She is an award-winning news anchor and reporter who has worked in television, digital, sports, podcasting and most recently, social media. Watch her Facebook Live for the Cincinnati Enquirer Mon-Thurs at 10am. You can also see her live on Facebook every Thursday at 4pm as she hosts the Northern Kentucky Spotlight.

Kathrine Nero freelance journalist and media personality

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The Educated Choice for all of your Financial Needs!

NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

TOGETHER, WE WILL CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

We are developing eager young minds into worldchanging leaders of tomorrow by educating and inspiring generations of students bold enough to tackle the toughest challenges facing our region, country and globe.

NKU is a proud sponsor of the NKY Excellence in Education Celebration.

nku.edu

NKYEC BOARD MEMBERS

Durran Alexander, Centennial Talent Strategy Tammy Barth-Oakes, Citi Brett Blackwell, Central Bank & Trust Co. Mike Borchers, Ludlow Independent Schools District Dan Cahill, Treasurer, HSD Metrics Joseph Chillo, LP. D., Thomas More College Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber Ginni Fair, Northern Kentucky University Fernando Figueroa, Community and Technical College Mickey Fritz, RW Baird Financial Advisors-The Dempsey Fritz Group Brian Griffin, Caliber Management Group Mike Hammons, Children, Inc. Tara Johnson-Noem, Northern Kentucky Area Development District Judge Kris Knochelmann, Kenton County Fiscal Court Claire Parsons, Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing, PLLC Randy Poe, Boone County Schools Robert Prichard, MD, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Amy Razor, NKCES Robert Stafford, Owen County Schools Henry Webb, Kenton County School District Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt, Duke Energy KY

CONGRATULATIONS

Polly Lusk Page EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE Thank you for your leadership and commitment to changing the odds for children and youth in Northern Kentucky.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

NKY CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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NKY CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS

Gaby Batshoun, Global Business Solutions Matt Bowen, Fidelity Investments Dan Cahill, HSD Metrics Carri Chandler, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood Karen Cheser, Fort Thomas Schools Joseph Chillo, Thomas More University Garren Colvin, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Lee Crume, Tri-ED Dustin DiChiara, Chick-fil-A Richard Field, Post Glover Fernando Figueroa, Gateway Community & Technical College Karen Finan, Northern Kentucky Regional Alliance Shelly Funke Frommeyer, FFR Wealth Team Michael Hall, CITI Chuck Heilman, J.A.C.C. Ryan Heitkamp, ARMOR USA Paul Hemmer, Paul Hemmer Company John Hengelbrok, Baker Stamping Patrick Hughes, DBL Law Geralyn Isler, Business Benefits Insurance Solutions Brady Jolly, Jolly Enterprises David Kay, PNC Bank Patrick Keal, Duke Energy Julie Kirkpatrick, meetNKY, Northern Kentucky CVB Priya Klocek, Consultant on the Go Judge Kris Knochelmann, Kenton County Fiscal Court Ken Lewis, New Riff Distilling Jim Lokesak, Skyline Chili Melissa Lutz, Champlin Architecture Laura Lyons, ATech Automotive Tech Alan Majchrzak, DHL Candace McGraw, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Paul Meier, City of Crestview Hills Judge Gary Moore, Boone County Fiscal Court Jim Parsons, Keating Muething & Kiekamp PLL Jason Payne, Republic Bank Judge Steve Pendery, Campbell County Fiscal Court Tom Prewitt, Graydon David Rust, Superintendent of Campbell County Schools Billy Santos, BB&T David Spaulding, Turner Construction Company

Ray Takigiku, Bexion Pam Thompson, Mariner Wealth Advisors Rich Tiberi, Fifth-Third Bank Brian Todd, Clark Schaefer Hackett Ashish Vaidya, Northern Kentucky University Cathy Waddell, Nucor Steel Gallatin Katrina Ward, Huntington Bank Caroline Weltzer, Viox & Viox Rhonda Whitaker, Duke Energy Wonda Winkler, Brighton Center, Inc Anna Wolf, TiER1 Performance Solutions Amy Wright, ReSettled Life Jay Wuest, PNC Bank

St. Elizabeth is proud to support the Northern Kentucky Education Council for their continued work in the community. Founded in Covington nearly 160 years ago, St. Elizabeth’s roots run deep within Northern Kentucky. We provide compassionate and comprehensive healthcare for the people we serve in our home.

stelizabeth.com

2020 STUDENT WINNERS ACADEMIC ALL-STARS

Emily Wyland Conner High School

Hunter J. McClurg Ignite Institute

Alli Gill Owen County High School

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

2020 STUDENT WINNERS AGAINST ALL ODDS

Abraham Araya Beechwood High School

Jena Armstrong Holmes High School

Carmela Jimenez Lloyd Memorial High School

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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2020 STUDENT WINNERS CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMIC ALL-STARS

Wyatt Richards Highlands High School

Elizabeth Bridget Fulmer Ignite Institute

Abrar Shawkat Walton-Verona High School

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

2020 STUDENT WINNERS STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Anastasia Pohlgeers Campbell County High School

Davis J. Recht Highlands High School

Samantha Mason Owen County High School

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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Supporting excellence and all that it inspires.

At Duke Energy, we believe in the power and potential of excellence and achievement in all forms. Here’s to those who inspire us all and enhance our quality of life.

As part of our commitment to communities, Duke Energy is proud to support the NKY Chamber Excellence in Education Awards.

DUKE-ENERGY.COM

We make IT all work together

Wearing our masks, C-Forward is proud to be a VIRTUAL sponsor of the

Excellence in Education Celebration Honoring the Education Council Community Leaders and our Golden Apple teachers CForward.com

PERSONAL.

fb.com/CForwardIT

859.442.7877

PROACTIVE.

@CForwardIT

RELIABLE.

CONGRATULATIONS Â Excellence in Education Award Winners

Jena Armstrong, Holmes High School, Class of 2020 Against All Odds Award Rachel Jenkins, Glenn O. Swing Elementary School Golden Apple Award Jim Graham, Holmes High School Golden Apple Award A.D. Albright Teacher of the Year Award Jon Hopkins, Holmes High School Student Services Award

We're so proud of you!

Alvin Garrison, Superintendent Tom Wherry, Board Chair Sarah Flerlage, Board Vice-Chair April Brockhoff, Board Member Glenda Huff, Board Member Jerry Avery, Board Member

covington.kyschools.us Covington Independent Public Schools

@covkyschools

2020 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

Deshae Barnhorst 5th Grade Teacher Thornwilde Elementary (9 years)

Amanda Bell, MSD Special Education Teacher Arnett Elementary (12 years)

Nolan Boone Math Teacher, Campbell County High School (5 years)

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

2020 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

Dana Childers Kindergarten Teacher Southern Elementary (28 years)

Mary Claire Cockrell Special Education Teacher Boone County’s Alternative Center for Education (13 years)

Troy Clifton 5th Grade English Language Arts Teacher Lincoln Elementary (16 years)

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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2020 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

Laura Cole Math Teacher Scott High School (11 years)

Alex Evans 4th Grade Teacher Campbell Ridge Elementary (9 years)

Casey Gesenhues 1st Grade Teacher Woodfill Elementary (12 years)

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

2020 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

Jim Graham Welding Teacher Holmes High School (30 years industry/6 years teaching)

Angela Gumm-Buschle Special Education Teacher Multiple Disabilities Program Dayton High School (17 years)

Brian Harmon Art Teacher Campbell County High School (17 years)

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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2020 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

Lindsay Hill Special Education Teacher Ockerman Middle School (11 years)

Sarah Horn Art Teacher Walton-Verona High School (15 years)

Jamie Hubbard Math Teacher Conner High School (18 years)

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

2020 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

Rachel Jenkins 5th Grade Math Teacher Glenn O. Swing Elementary (15 years)

Barbara Jones Middle School Teacher Grant County Middle School (29 years)

Susan Kinman 2nd Grade Teacher Piner Elementary (22 years)

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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2020 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

Brooke Leffingwell 4th Grade Teacher Crossroads Elementary (10 years)

Regina Holt Melvin Kindergarten – 5th Grade Music Teacher Longbranch Elementary (23 years)

Brandy Lusby Neal 1st Grade Teacher Owen County Elementary (15 years)

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

2020 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

Chastity Rohan Engineering Teacher Grant County High School (14 years)

Molly Walter 4th Grade Teacher River Ridge Elementary (27 years)

Christopher P. Welch Spanish and German Teacher Dixie Heights High School (17 years)

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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2020 EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AWARDS

Dustin Wollam Collins Elementary

Peachy Taylor Newport High School

CONGRATULATIONS

Dustin Wollam

Excellence in education Extraordinary Service Award Honoree Always giving 110%, Dustin lights up the room with his personality. Thank you for your dedication and passion to help our students at Collins Elementary.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

2020 STUDENT SERVICES AWARDS

Jon Hopkins Holmes High School

Gina Sorrell Byrd Lincoln Elementary

The Thomas More community thanks all the outstanding educators, students, community partners, and business leaders supporting excellence in education in our region.

859.341.5800 | thomasmore.edu @ThomasMoreKY

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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2020 A.D. ALBRIGHT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Jim Graham Holmes High School The A.D. Albright Outstanding Teacher of the Year award is given to the highest scoring Golden Apple Honoree and is named for former NKU President Dr. A.D. Albright. Jim Graham worked in the welding industry for 30 years and has been teaching for six years. He not only challenges his students in the classroom, but also provides opportunities for student to showcase their skills throughout the school and community.

2020 A.D. ALBRIGHT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR Greg Duty Southgate Independent School District The A.D. Albright Outstanding Administrator Award is presented to an individual that leads others in a positive manner to promote education and sets an example of professional excellence, is creative, visionary, and works with community partners to advance student success.

Greg has worked in education for 20 years. He has forged relationships with the police department, local churches, community businesses, and city government officials to create positive public relations for the district and build partnerships.

Under his guidance, Southgate has been awarded several grants that focus on literacy, professional development, technology, STEM, preschool, and homelessness. You can also find Greg working with students as a One to One literacy coach, and as coach for both cross country and basketball.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

2020 BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Velocity Bike & Bean Accepted by: Mark Ball, Owner

Bosch Accepted by: Lise Alaiwan

ROBERT J. STORER BUSINESS-EDUCATION CHAMPION AWARD Jean M. Loftus, MD Loftus Plastic Surgery Center The Robert J. Storer Business-Education Champion Award is presented to an individual who has contributed to the Northern Kentucky education community by participating in ongoing education initiatives, advocating for a world-class educational system, or sharing generously of resources, knowledge and skills.

As co-chair for the Northern Kentucky Education Council’s Business Engagement Action Team, Dr. Loftus has been steadfast in her leadership and has a deep understanding that collaboration between business and schools drives successful outcomes for students.

2020 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Dr. Kathy Burkhardt Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District Dr. Kathy Burkhardt served as superintendent of the Erlanger-Elsmere School District from 2004 to 2020. Widely respected for her leadership and commitment to students, Dr. Bukhardt was chosen as an example of model leadership for the “Leaders Matter” initiative, a national campaign for the School Superintendents Association.

As a leader, Burkhardt has always credited the “team” as the key to the success of the school system. Burkhardt grew up in Warsaw, attended Berea College and earned her master’s at Eastern Kentucky University. She earned several certifications at Northern Kentucky University and her doctorate at the University of Kentucky.

Carl Wicklund Kenton County School District Carl Wicklund has served on the Kenton County School Board since 1991. As the current Chairperson on the Board and former vice-chair, he continues to bring expertise and leadership to the sixth largest school district in the state.

Mr. Wicklund also shares his talents with the region and state of Kentucky, holding positions on the Chamber’s Education Policy Committee and the State School Curriculum, Assessment & Accountability Council. He has taken the lead in professional excellence for education by making tough decisions, setting policies for the district and creating conditions that enable success for students. In 2011, Wicklund served on Kenton County’s Career and Technical Redesign Team, which yielded the establishment of the Kenton County Academies of Innovation and Technology. Through his leadership, the district has built one of the most energy efficient schools in the state. He has demonstrated strong leadership skills, bold determination and perseverance in an effort to improve the education for all students.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

Polly Lusk Page Northern Kentucky Education Council Polly Lusk Page retired in June 2019 after 46 years in education and 10 years of service as Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Education Council. She has been instrumental in creating opportunities for education, business, and community leaders to collaboratively align and create impactful programs that change the odds for children and youth in Northern Kentucky.

Under her leadership, Northern Kentucky was awarded the Ready by 21 Community designation and was selected to host the Ready by 21 national meeting. She led the development of the Resiliency Poll and Resilient and Ready by Design Initiative and created the successful One to One program and the Parents as Partners initiative. Prior to her role at the Council, Page was the Director for Community Engagement and Education Initiatives in NKY with the Partnership for Successful Schools. She also served as the literacy specialist for the Kentucky Department of Education and taught at both the elementary and post-secondary levels for more than thirty years. She has been recognized for leadership, engagement, and outstanding contributions by The Congressional Conference on Civic Education, and was the recipient of the 2013 Kenton County Public Library Foundation’s Mary Ann Mongan Literacy Award, among many other awards and honors.

Connecting the Workforce Ecosystem

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