WABASH VALLEY (WTWO/WAWV) — Fourteen area teachers were selected as 2020 McDonald’s Teach it Forward Outstanding Educators from a pool of more than 880 nominations.
The award honors educators who exhibit the ultimate dedication to their students and contribute to the improvement of education in our most challenging times. Local McDonald’s owner/operator Jami Kasprzyk says supporting teachers is always a top priority, but this year is more important than ever.
“Our teachers are constantly adapting to whatever is thrown at them, while making sure our students succeed,” said Kasprzyk. “We’re excited to recognize those who go above and beyond for our students through the Outstanding Educator awards.”
Kasprzyk and her husband Nick partnered with other area McDonald’s operators including Matt Comte, Robert Jedele, and Wally Nowakowski to honor the following area educators:
Jill Conner of Northview High School in Brazil, Ind.
Whitney Beck of DeVaney Elementary in Terre Haute, Ind.
Kim Long of Terre Haute North Vigo High School in Terre Haute, Ind.
Kari Dayhuff of Otter Creek Middle School in Terre Haute, Ind.
Harmony Walsh of Van Duyn Elementary in Clinton, Ind.
Kristi Gray of Parkside Elementary School in Lawrenceville, Ill.
Sarah Knepp of Loogootee Middle School in Loogootee, Ind.
Andrew Shonk of Marshall High School in Marshall, Ill.
Kirstin Mills of Crestwood School in Paris, Ill.
Beth Richardson of Robinson High School in Robinson, Ill.
Kevin Cross of Sullivan High School in Sullivan, Ind.
Craig Klitz of Clark Middle School in Vincennes, Ind.
Dana L. Carie of Clark Middle School in Vincennes, Ind.
Britney Ponce of Lena Dunn Elementary School in Washington, Ind.
Winners of the outstanding educator award each receive a $100 Visa gift card to use toward their classroom; a T-shirt; and certificates and McDonald’s coupons to “teach it forward” to parents with outstanding students throughout the year.
Nowakowski said, “We love the idea of paying it forward—or ‘teaching’ it forward—to recognize students who are also working so hard to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of education today.”
