Teacher makes a difference, is honored by Ohio Lottery

ASHTABULA -- Sometimes teachers are taken by a particular student’s situation. Sometimes they can’t help themselves and they get involved in a child’s life in a way that extends far beyond the classroom. Sometimes a special teacher is someone who makes the ultimate difference in that child’s life. That’s why students will never forget them.

Lisa Newsome is a teacher like that. She’s a fifth-grade teacher at McKinsey Elementary in Ashtabula. Newsome is being honored as the Ohio Lottery’s January Teacher of the Month for the Youngstown area after she was nominated by a mental-health professional who noticed the difference Newsome was making in a client’s life.

“Lisa has taken her own time and money on many different occasions to help this student with basic needs,” reports Alison Shuman. “Lisa saw that much of the student’s problem was very low self-esteem, and so she took this child on her own time and paid for a trip to a salon. She also purchased clothes and other needs for this child, which has greatly improved the quality of life for this student.”

Newsome also coaches volleyball and serves on various committees within the school district.

As an Ohio Lottery Teacher of the Month, Newsome will receive four tickets to an upcoming Lake Erie Monsters game, where she will be publicly recognized. She will receive a prize pack of Monsters’ merchandise and assorted Partners in Education merchandise from the Lottery.

The Ohio Lottery will continue to recognize Academic All Stars and Teachers of the Month throughout the school year. For more information about the program and for nomination forms, go to www.Ohiolottery.com.