RIMSD#41 hosted a virtual Educator of the Year gala on Thursday, April 15th. In 2020 the school district was going to host its first-ever teacher appreciation gala but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gala was not able to be held. This year the celebration was held virtually and recognized the 2020 and 2021 winners.
Superintendent Dr. Lawrence emceed the event along with guest co-host Mikhalya Hughes-Shaw, a Rocky grad and local journalist. Rock Island High School Chamber singers gave a great performance during the ceremony! There were also special messages from Board of Education President Gary Rowe, Rock Island County Regional Superintendent Tammy Mueroff, and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.
The purpose of the event is to recognize the outstanding teachers from each school in our district. Each principal selected a teacher who is a tremendous support for students and demonstrates what it takes to be an outstanding teacher amongst their peers. You can read the honoree's nominations in the attached programs.
Congratulations to all of our honorees!
2021 Educator of the Year Recipients:
Kara Thomas – Eugene Field
Emilie Heald – WJHS
Krista Dwinel – Thomas Jefferson
Steve VanDeWalle – TMLCAlanah Alexander – EJHS
Michele McDonald – HMELC
Kelly Young – RIHS
Michele Blew – Denkmann
Kiley VanOpdorp – Longfellow
Kimberly Gardner – Frances Willard
Linda Anderson – Ridgewood
Amy Verstraete – Earl Hanson
Ashley Reeves – RIA
Susana Williams – RICMS
2020 Educator of the Year Recipients:
Tim Carroll - Edison
Mike Mertel - RIHS
Jessica Stockwell - Denkmann
Becky Morley - Earl Hanson
Sallie Heine – Eugene Field
Becky DeJonghe - FW
Mandi Stout - Longfellow
Wendy Kerker - Ridgewood
Stephanie Sanders- RIA
Alice Lee - RICMS
Troy Porter - Thomas Jefferson
Kelli Brannen - WJHS
Cheryl Gipson- TMLC
Denise Lekwa - HMELC