Area Educators Honored With Catholic Educator Innovative Awards
Winners of the 2018 Catholic Educator Innovative Awards were announced during the Aug. 3 back to school gathering and Mass held at Mater Dei High School in Evansville. This year’s recipients include Sandy Davis of Washington Catholic School, and school and parish family of Annunciation School at Holy Spirit in Evansville.
Davis, a fourth grade teacher at Washington Catholic, displayed outstanding work over the past year by inspiring elementary, junior high and high school students to enhance STEM skills while participating on Robotics Teams. Partnering with engineers from Crane Naval Center, Davis encouraged her students to devise creative solutions to difficult problems, build leadership skills and pursue STEM-related education and career paths.
Annunciation School at Holy Spirit converted a neglected tennis court into a community garden, a certified wildlife habitat and a Monarch butterfly waystation – all designed and maintained by students, teacher and parishioners. The project, led by Annunciation Pastor Father Alex Zenthoefer and fourth grade teacher Lynn Miller, was supported by principal David Memmer, and the entire school and parish family. The outdoor space provides inspiration to students across all grade levels as they study religion, science, ecology, creative writing and art. The gardens and wildlife habitat provide unique experiences for students with the goal of encouraging lifelong stewardship of God’s creation.
All of this year’s winners will be will be invited to share their innovative programs at the School Council workshop in September.
The Catholic Educator Innovative Award recognizes educators within the Diocese of Evansville who employ novel and innovative efforts to achieve success in student learning and/or promotes growth for the school. Eligible candidates include teachers, administrators, counselors, media specialists or technology coordinators. Nominations could be submitted by school personnel, pastors, students, parents or grandparents on the basis of accomplishments of an individual or group.
