Fox is a fifth year intervention specialist at Tecumseh High School and Crowell is a sixth year kindergarten teacher at Park Layne Elementary School.
“These two ladies are very special and we’re very proud of their efforts. They’re great educators. They go above and beyond to meet the needs of the whole student, not just their academic needs, and they’re advocates for students,” Tecumseh Superintendent Paula Crew said.
Fox was nominated by Principal Aaron Oakes, who said in his nomination letter that she is “the epitome of an excellent teacher and deserving of this award.”
“Fox is well-liked by her students as she serves as a strong advocate for them and their learning needs,” Oakes said. “Her advocacy for each and every student is immense and appreciated by her students, parents and her colleagues.”
Crowell was nominated by her colleague Amy Cody, who said she deserved the award because she “puts her students first” and “teaches everyday to the fullest potential," and Principal Karyl Strader.
“Her first priority is always her students. She cares deeply for each and every student, and for each student fully and wholly," Strader said. “Her love for her students and her dedication to her teaching is apparent in all she does.”
Braun is an English teacher at Northwestern Jr./Sr. High School, and has taught in the district since 1997.
“Kelly is a great teacher. She is respected by students and staff,” said Northwestern Superintendent Jesse Steiner. “I appreciate that the New Carlisle Rotary recognizes outstanding teachers in the area. It is a great boost for morale in a year that has been very difficult for educators.”
Steiner added that district staff is doing a great job and that the award means a lot.
“Everyone is working hard and keeping safe. In every aspect of what we do as a school, our staff members are going above and beyond to ensure that our students stay safe and get a great education. This award means a lot to Mrs. Braun and to our staff during these challenging times,” he said.
Braun was nominated by her colleagues Lisa Boggess and Vicki Packard-Cooper, who said she deserved the award for her love of students and respect for other educators.
“Kelly’s commitment to the profession of teaching can be seen in her 28 years of service. She is devoted to the classes she teaches,” Boggess said. “Kelly Braun is the epitome of dedication.”
Crew said she encourages the winners to use the award money on themselves.
The teachers were recognized at a New Carlisle Rotary luncheon.
“We encourage and we tell them at the luncheon to please use this money on yourselves,” she said. “Our teachers work so hard, they’ve spent their money on resources, supplies, buying lunch.”
The award program was created about 15 years ago by Ron Lyons, a former community member and Rotarian that passed away several years ago, and Mike Stafford, Crew said.
Crew, who is also president of the New Carlisle Rotary, said this program is to honor both Tecumseh and Northwestern schools. She said colleagues, parents, students, principals or administrators, and community members can submit nominations, which are open from mid-October through Dec. 1 each year.
“These winners were the 2020 recipients. We were going to have the luncheon in April or May, but COVID-19 delayed it until just this week,” she said.
There were 22 people nominated this year, Crew said. A panel of three retired administrators or local college professors review the applicants, nomination letters and questions answered by those nominated. After that, the judges select six finalist that they interview in person, and choose three to receive the award.
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