Mary Dauby

"Mary has gone above and beyond making sure that both myself and the other new preschool teacher understand what our new rolls entail.  She has made herself available at all times, even after school, to answer our questions.  I have no doubt in my mind that I would be very confused and lost without her!  Not only is she always there for the staff but she is always there for the students!  She is the definition of an amazing teacher in my book!"--Katie Stephens

Debra Helm

"Debra is always willing to go above and beyond when working with students. Her patience and understanding when working with these students is rare in public education today. She’s helpful and impactful, yet she is also firm and has high expectations of her students. She truly exemplifies what this award represents."--Elizabeth Helm

Elizabeth Helm

"Elizabeth is a phenomenal teacher and colleague. As a teacher she strives to meet the needs of students at all levels and succeeds. She works tirelessly creating engaging and rigorous lessons daily and is still willing to write college and scholarship applications for any student that asks, and they all ask. The reason they all ask her to write recommendation letters is because of the impact she has on them through having high expectations of them, believing in them,  and the relationships she builds with them.

As a colleague Elizabeth acts as an unofficial instructional coach. She is one that several of us frequently go to for "plus one's", advice on how to handle various situations, and sometimes, just because we know she's always willing to listen. Without question, she makes us better teachers."--Laura Szefi

Jeff Kessans

"Jeff goes above and beyond for students.  I have personally seen him contact parents, grandparents, and the student themselves to give positive feedback.  He has a huge heart and wants to make sure every student succeeds. He treats every student as his own and many times he goes unrecognized due to him not wanting recognition.  He teaches students to ask questions and I truly like that he is honest to students. He truly wants students to think on their own and be an active citizen as they enter the community.  I am not just nominating him because he is my husband, I am nominating him because I see how great an educator he is!"--Laura Kessans

Laura Kessans

"Laura is always going above and beyond serving multiple schools. She helps students on all walks of life, whether it be helping with donating school supplies (Back to School Bash), helping craft the perfect Christmas, picking out the perfect prom dress, or just lending an ear. Laura is always seen with a smile and an infectious laugh. I am very honored to call her my co-worker as well as a good friend!"--Candace Kruse

Candace Kruse

"Candace is always enthusiastic, energetic and fun for the students at HCHS.  She has a great relationship with the students and they genuinely enjoy her class and energy."--Eric Huff

Tom Magan

"Tom Magan loves our kids and works hard to help meet their needs.  In the last few months, Mr. Magan had led the effort to coordinate services for students in our school among Ms. Kimbrell, Ms. Kessans, and Coach Orr.  In the absence of a state-funded ILP program, he has worked with high school and middle school staff to develop a new protocol that will be more beneficial for students than the previous system, in addition to working individually with many students to prepare for early college decisions and securing financial aide.  He has been integral in leading the preparation for our Bullying Prevention program, and has taken on the responsibility to help train teachers and staff in Mental Health First Aide and positive behavior intervention strategies -- and it is only October.  HCHS has been able to make tremendous impacts on students this year because of his hard work and dedication to our students."--Ashley Gorman

Hadley Meserve

"Building relationships with students and families is perhaps the most important thing an educator can do.  Hadley Meserve has helped establish an environment along with her support staff at North Hancock Elementary, in her special needs classroom where kids feel truly special, appreciated and loved.  Hadley and her staff consistently engage with parents and families and have built strong connections that have lead to student success. She also collaborates with and helps other staff in the building in a multitude of ways."--Sona Miller

Michelle Nevitt

"Michele has created a learning environment that encourages students to embrace the power of education but also encourages students to realize that it's never too late to start being people of integrity and character. She teaches high standards while always showing grace and preserving student dignity. It is quite a sight to behold. This is the result of many years of working to constantly make improvements and better herself AND her students. She is a faithful employee who serves our students at levels I have witnessed nowhere else and does not feel the need to bring attention to what she knows in her heart is right and driven by her faith in God. She does it for the right reasons, faithfulness."--Kelly White

Denice Roach

"Mrs. Roach has been a valuable employee here at Hancock County Schools for a number of years.  If you were to ask any of her peers they would share how she treats ALL students like her own children.  She has been called upon to move from assignment to assignment, school to school, and never questions, but accepts the challenge.  Often times she is assigned to help the most difficult of students to work with, and she does so in a calm, "Motherly" manner.  She is a blessing to the students that she works with, and you can even hear students ask, "Can Mrs. Roach help me?"  Helping students learn how to fly on their own!"--Charlena Williams

Carrie Wheatley

"Carrie Wheatley is always willing to help out the NHES office staff.  Carrie supports our efforts in maintaining school records and can act as an additional contact between office staff and families.  She provides materials that are very helpful in the large task of transporting our students and helps us get them home safely.  Carrie is always willing to come to North Hancock and be an extra set of hands in times of need."--Christa Keller and Lisa Rice