Teacher of the Year Nominees

(ABOVE) The Beacon Award nominees are, from left: Chris Shearer, Field School (winner); Tonia Akerson, GRTS; Mike Lewis, CHS; Sadie Beetsma, CES & CELC; Janet Abbey, CMS; Jessica O'Berry, Dewey; and Amber Scott, District.

Numerous Chillicothe R-II Staff members were honored today (Tuesday) for their years of service, for excellence in the District, and as recipients of a Department of Elementary and Secondary--sponsored scholarship during the annual service and awards program held at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. The event kicked off a day of professional development for teachers and staff members.

Chillicothe Education Foundation President Ed Douglas handed out the awards to the nominees from each building, and presented the top awards - Teacher of the Year and Beacon Award - to Grand River Technical School teacher Reid Stephens and Field School secretary, Chris Shearer, respectively. Stephens received $1,500 cash and $1,000 for educational items to be used within the classroom. Shearer received $200 as the Beacon Award Nominee from Grand River Technical School and $200 as this year’s Beacon Award winner.

Other nominees for the Teacher of the Year Award were: Shanna Johnson, CES; Katie Maples, Field; Ellen Gott, Dewey; Shanda Wagers, CMS; and Kristi Christy, CHS. Each nominee received $1,000 for educational items to be used within the classroom and a $750 cash stipend.

The remaining Beacon Award nominees were: Sadie Beetsma, CES/CELC; Jessica O’Berry, Dewey; Janet Abbey, CMS; Mike Lewis, CHS; Tonia Akerson, GRTS; and Amber Scott, District. These Beacon Award nominees received $200. 

"We are so grateful for the Chillicothe Education Foundation's support so that our outstanding teachers and support staff can be recognized for their dedication to the District's students," Dan Wiebers, superintendent said. “We are very blessed to have such a great staff working hard to do their jobs and exceed all expectations.”

The presentation followed the recognition of staff members who have earned service pins. Lindy Chapman, President of the Chillicothe Board of Education, handed out the pins. Members of the R-II Staff who were recognized for their years of service were as follows:

(ABOVE) Staff members receiving their 5-year service pins were, from left: Mindy Kincade, Amber Daniels, Andrea Graves and Adam Melton. Not pictured is Shawnette Lamp, Emily Schmidt, Julie Moore and Cynthia Donnelly.

(ABOVE) Staff members receiving their 10-year service pins were, from left: Denise Toole, Ellen Duckworth, Adam Wolf, Shelby Ward and Justin Alexander. Not pictured are:  Cherie Gray, Andrea Beck, Larry Reeter, Stephanie Prather, Buffy Tipton, Sue Hopper and Angela Nagel.

(ABOVE) Staff members receiving their 15-year service pins were, from left: Amanda Marsh, Ashley Hawkins, Shelly Falconer, Brandon Dennis, Amy Taylor, Tim Cunningham and Tim Marsh. Not pictured is Gary Jones.

(ABOVE) Staff members receiving their 20-year service pins were, from left: Sandra Roberts, Debby Peery, Kristi Christy, Terria Cox and Jana Shira. 

(ABOVE) Ellen Gott (left) and Michelle Corbin (right) received a 25-year service pin. Not pictured is Annie Shipp and Julie Gibson.

Staff members earning their 30-year service pins were Gracie Bonderer (right); and Kenny Estes (center). Cindy Baker (left) received a 40-year service pin. Not pictured is Stan Baldwin, who was recognized for 35 years of service. 

(ABOVE) Staff members receiving $900 Grow Your Own Scholarships were, from left:  Madison Busse, Shannon Marsh, Madison Eller, Brooke Horton, Cherokee Shipley, Kortney Nelson, Crystal Lehman, Heather Mudd, Kellen Overstreet, Cathryn Boyd and Amanda Hall.

A reception for those recognized was held following the program in the Performing Arts Center lobby.