BLOOMINGTON – The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Success School is proud to announce the recipients of the 22nd Annual Educator of the Year Awards.
For over two decades, The Chamber’s Success School has championed excellence in education with the annual awards ceremony, which recognizes the best teachers and programs in accredited schools across Monroe County. This year eight educators, one educational program, and one-lifetime achievement recipient will be honored in a community celebration at the 22nd Annual Educator of the Year Awards to be held on the evening of Thursday, March 2nd, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington, Shreve Hall.
The program will feature student-led entertainment with a performance from the cast of “Into the Woods” from Bloomington High School South.
Awardees are selected from a pool of nominees from across Monroe County by a committee composed of leaders from the public sector, the business community, and education. The awardees for 2023 are as follows:
The Outstanding Educator Awards recognize outstanding service and dedication to the field of education, fellow educators, and Monroe County youth. Congratulations to our eight outstanding educators:
- Shawnice Johns, Special Education Community-Based Teacher at Bloomington High School South
- Laura Lucas, Kindergarten Teacher at Unionville Elementary
- Dr. Kirstin Milks, AP Biology and Earth/Space Science Teacher at Bloomington High School South
- Stacy Pie, Journey’s Teacher at Edgewood Primary School
- Rebecca Pittman, Title I Interventionist at Edgewood Intermediate School
- Megan Stelly, Geometry Teacher and Assistant Unified Track Coach at Edgewood High School
- Robin Taft, PE/Health Teacher at Edgewood High School
- Greg Valenta, Engineering & Architecture Teacher at Hoosier Hills Career Center
The Leading Light Award is for an educational program that demonstrates outstanding service and dedication with innovative or exemplary programs that enhance our education community. This year’s awardee is:
- Marching Mustangs at Edgewood High School
The Lifetime Achievement Award is for one individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding commitment to education. This year’s lifetime achievement awardee is:
- Dr. Debra Prenkert, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education at MCCSC
“Dr. Prenkert is a phenomenal educator, administrator, and esteemed colleague to many,” said Beth Smith, STEM to Them Mobile Educator/Curriculum and Instruction at MCCSC. “As a lifetime educator, she has served as a classroom teacher, building principal, director of elementary education, and now as an assistant superintendent. Dr. Prenkert leads with experience, and positivity, and is an advocate for students, families, and teachers. She leads with a gentle strength and passion for supporting best practices in education. Her leadership, mentorship, and friendship are valued by many! Without a doubt, Dr. Prenkert is worthy of the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The Chamber wishes to congratulate all of this year’s award winners.
“We look forward to celebrating each of our Educator of the Year awardees for the immense and positive impact they have made on their students and our community,” said Chamber President & CEO, Eric Spoonmore. “Teachers are capable of changing lives, and our awardees are truly leading the way to ensure that Monroe County students are inspired and equipped with the skills necessary to achieve success in today’s workforce.”
To register to attend the 22nd Annual Educator of the Year Awards, please visit www.chamberbloomington.org/events/Educator-of-the-Year-Awards—2275/details
For more information about the Success School and its many programs, please contact Katie Sensabaugh at ksensabaugh@chamberbloomington.org or visit the website at www.chamberbloomington.org/success-school.
About the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization serving as our community’s leading advocate for business. We offer unique leadership opportunities, meaningful volunteer activities, and exclusive business-building programs focused on critical economic, civic, and social priorities. Chamber members support each other and community initiatives, sharing information and resources to help create economic opportunity and community well-being. At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, we believe that better business leads to a better community.
