On March 26, the Florence Rotary Club recognized the 2012 Boone County Teachers of the Year at a luncheon in their honor. Each year, the Club asks the community to nominate outstanding educators in the public, private and parochial sectors. The applications are reviewed by a panel of judges, and awards are determined based on the nominee’s exemplary service in their professional and community roles. The Boone County School District is the 3rd largest in the state, with 23 schools serving over 20,000 students from pre-school through 12th grade.
The honorees for 2012 are Lisa Fish of Walton Verona Elementary, Julie Ann Ashley from Camp Ernst Middle School, and Teresa Haney of North Pointe Elementary. Each teacher received a $250 check to the charity of their choice, presented by Heritage Bank.
Lisa Fish, a teacher at Walton Verona Elementary, has 25 years teaching experience, and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and Master’s Degree from Georgetown College. A parent nominator described Ms. Fish as one who truly goes above and beyond to share her love of reading and writing with her students. She reads aloud in funny voices to engage her classroom, and encourages students to write daily in their journals. Ms. Fish is committed to helping every student succeed.
Julie Ann Ashley, a language Arts teacher at Camp Ernst Middle School, has 21 years of teaching experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Thomas More College, and Master’s degree from Xavier University. Ms. Ashley was described by multiple nominators as resourceful, collaborative, engaging, enthusiastic, and inspirational. She creates a learning environment that really helps children grow in their educational journey. She encourages them to write essays, master difficult words, and enjoy learning through Jeopardy style quizzes and an afterschool Book Café.
Teresa Haney, a teacher at North Pointe Elementary has 15 years teaching experience, and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Northern Kentucky University. Ms. Haney was instrumental in helping build the Panther Path Nature Trail near the school that is utilized for fun and educational field trips. She also leads a self-esteem and physical wellness program called “Girls on the Run” that encourages participants to make healthy lifestyle choices. With hands on experiments that create excitement and unique learning opportunities, Ms. Haney makes education come alive for her students.
Each teacher was also awarded a Senate Citation and Kentucky Colonel Award, provided by Senator John Schickel. Heritage Bank provided personalized banners for each winner to display at their schools.
The Florence Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International, a service organization dedicated to bringing together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
For information about weekly meetings, guest speakers and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president, at amoynahan@insightbb.com or (859) 802-0242. Visit the group’s web site at www.florencerotary.org . Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.
