An event that spotlights and celebrates the incredible work teachers across the Mahoning Valley do to educate and inspire our young people—the Mahoning Valley Educators of the Year Honors Dinner—is 6 p.m. March 18 at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles.
The honors dinner was created by Josh MacMillan, who has taught visual arts at Hubbard High School for more than 20 years, to highlight the best educators in the Mahoning Valley who dedicate their lives to educating our area’s children.
“This event shines a light on the wonderful work teachers across the Mahoning Valley do day in and day out to educate and uplift our students,” MacMillan said. “It’s about appreciating those who don’t go out seeking recognition, but who dedicate themselves to giving each and every child a chance to succeed.”
The following teachers, selected by their districts, will be recognized at the event and receive a red marble apple on a pedestal:
· Carli Cramer, Austintown Local School District
· Evelyn Stanton, Boardman Local Schools
· Ryan Marino, Brookfield Local Schools
· Sabrina Eaton, Canfield School Local District
· Jennifer Policy, Cardinal Mooney Schools
· Carolyn Brown, Champion Local School District
· Mandy Moore, Columbiana Exempted Village School District
· Sandra (Sandy) Walker, East Palestine School District
· Gina Kingston, ESC of Eastern OH
· Jena Martin, Girard City School District
· Lorraine Yacovone, Howland Local School District
· Kelli Komlanc, Hubbard Exempted Village School District
· Kelly Williams, Jackson-Milton School Local District
· Regina Helmick, LaBrae Local School District
· Jennifer McAllister, Lakeview Local School District
· Randy Rodik, Leetonia Exempted Village School District
· Mindy Moyer, Lordstown Local School District
· Donna Greer, Mahoning County Career & Technical Center
· Ethan Gross, Newton Falls Exempted Village School District
· Gaye Breegle, Niles City School District
· Rick DiNunzio, Poland Local School District
· Leann Laure, Sebring Local School District
· Diane Krumpak, South Range Local School District
· Cheri Louttit, Springfield Local School District
· Irene Rivera, Struthers City School District
· Meghan Mock, Trumbull Career & Technical Center
· Amy White, United Local School District
· Staci Raab, Ursuline Schools
· Brooke DeJulia, Warren John F. Kennedy
· Megan Ghizzoni, Weathersfield Local School District
· Abbie Millard, West Branch Local Schools
· Laura Baird, Western Reserve Local School District
· Melissa Smith, Youngstown Community School
In addition, five special awards will be given that evening:
· Educator of the Year
· Secondary Educator of the Year – For a teacher in grades seven to 12
· Elementary Educator of the Year – For a teacher in grades kindergarten to six
· Golden Educator of the Year – For a teacher with at least 20 years of teaching experience
· Young Educator of the Year – For a teacher with no more than 10 years of teaching experience