Schools started to wrap up their year in May, but it didn’t stop the Ohio Lottery from honoring their Partners in Education Academic All Stars and Teachers of the Month. Congratulations to our May winners!
First up we have our Teacher of the Month Winners.
Tiana Banks is a kindergarten teacher at Caledonia Elementary. She is described as going above and beyond regarding her job. Administrator Felicia Curtain says, “She completes additional tasks like creating high level progress checks for her kindergarten team.” She is described as an “awesome teacher” and she strives to make sure every student in her class feels loved and able to perform at high levels of achievement.
Sara Olding is a History teacher at Sidney High School. She is described as a teacher who goes the extra mile to help her students do well and excel. She is described as “compassionate, hardworking, ambitious and dedicated to her profession,” says Linda Meininger, a member on the Board of Education.
Angel Perry is an English teacher at Paulding High School who is a positive influence towards her students. Administrator Todd Harmon says, “Her ability to think outside the box has allowed education methodology that engages students and challenges their thinking which in turn, develops better writing.” The classroom is a warm environment and she allows students to walk into the classroom playing music of their choice before class gets started. According to Principal Harmon, “She is a mentor and outstanding teacher; she can be counted on to help in leadership capacities to improve the school and the goals to help all students.”
Mary Rose Lierman is a sixth grade Intervention Specialist at Delhi Middle School. Kelsey McClanahan, a peer teacher, says, “Mary Rose is pure sunshine in human form. No matter the day, hour, circumstance, or situation, she is always positive.” She is incredibly considerate and is always willing to help her coworkers.
Hannah Wheeler is a high school Science teacher at Adena High School. “Each day, Miss Wheeler enters the room with a very positive and energetic spirit,” says peer teacher Tara Mess. With COVID 19 the classroom looked much different, and Miss Wheeler took on the challenge of being both a classroom and virtual teacher. She used technology to keep the kids engaged. She provides hands on experience for them to learn and is always willing to help students when they need it.
Becky Hall is a teacher at River High School. She enjoys teaching English. She is a veteran teacher who brings “passion and an impeccable work ethic" to the classroom. According to Principal Ed Trifonoff, “The true beneficiaries of her passion and work ethic are the students she encounters in her classroom on a daily basis. Her knowledge and dedication to the teaching profession prepares her students for post-secondary education.”
Martha Gale is a first- grade teacher at South Elementary School. Mrs. Gale is described as a team player and a veteran in the building. She is described as a “phenomenal” teacher who is both kind and generous. She takes “genuine pleasure in her students’ growth”. Administrator Shannon Kriegmont writes that, “There is joy in her classroom and that, maybe now more than ever, is worth rewarding.”
Next up is Jessica Maholm who is a kindergarten teacher at Midvale Elementary. “She smiles, she laughs, and uses words of encouragement with her students like” kiss your brain”. She really wants to see her students be successful academically, socially and emotionally, and it’s exciting to watch her bring up these young minds,” says administrator Ryan Wells. Miss Maholm challenges her students where they are in their learning and she helps them become successful within the classroom.
John Gerber is a high school Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and Citizen Science Research teacher at Perkins High School. Peer teacher Ashlie Gowitzka says, “John is the backbone of Perkins High School. He does so much
more behind the scenes than most realize and is a tremendous help to all teachers of all subject areas. He has also designed rigorous courses that push our students to be the best that they can be! He has integrated hands on labs throughout each unit, as well as field experiences for the classes that they are appropriate for. He helped design and implement the Academy Experience Program which gets work experience for students in their fields of interest.
Academic All Star Taylor Daisher is a student at Brecksville Broadview Heights High School that teacher Sean Brennan is proud of. Brennan says, “Her resiliency was shown in her positive attitude and improved grades,” through the school year. Navigating through the challenges of COVID was not always easy, but she was able to shine during this time.
Academic All Star Elizabeth Wolaver is a first grader at Emerson Elementary. She is described as helpful and well behaved in class. She is a “wonderful pack leader” and is a good example for her peers.
Academic All Star Nevaeh Wojnowski is described as an “exceptional student” who has been able to hold a 4.0 or above. She is proud of her education and does her best in school. Nevaeh is a 10
th grade student at Northwood High School. She is well respected and liked by her peers and teachers. She volunteers in the community and is a member of the National Honor Society and plays Varsity soccer. She is a well-rounded student who tries hard both in and out of the classroom.
Academic All Star Jal Shah is known as a hardworking student who attends Delshire Elementary. In third grade she went above and beyond what was asked of her. She is focused and is respectful to everyone she encounters. She is described as a “pleasure” to have in class and is someone who gives 100 percent in all she sets out to do. She goes the extra mile to complete the extra practice work and is committed to her studies. She is confident, hard-working and intelligent.
Academic All Star Kamryn Ohly recently graduated from Perkins High School. She ranked 1
st in her class and was a member of the Academic Challenge team, Robotics Club and an officer for the National Honor Society. Kamyrn has been a member of the Academy Experience for two years and this has allowed her to code with NASA and work with Sierra Lobo. She ran a coding club in the middle school and was a leader in her community and classroom.
Academic All Star Kathryn Lively graduated from River High school. She participated in many extra- curricular activities including the River High School Marching Band. She is a remarkable student who is described as a model student for her peers.
Eighth grader Joel Munoz Gomez is goes out of his way to help others. He exemplifies all that a “Red Raider” man should be. He is respectful determined, kind and honest. His attitude is one that students and teachers look up to. He is a diligent worker in the classroom; he brings happiness wherever he goes. His positive attitude and smile have made the teachers year as well as the students’ year. He makes a difference a Heritage Middle School!
Congratulations to all of our Academic All Stars and Teachers of the Month! Just like the schools, the Partners in Education program takes a break for the summer and will resume in September. We hope all of our winners are enjoying their summer break!