HENDERSON, KY (May 24, 2022) – This week, the Chamber of Commerce recognized four outstanding individuals in the community who have made a notable impact on student success through their work in the education field.
Awards were given in four categories.
- Veteran (Experienced) Educator – an educator who has taught for more than five years in Henderson County (and is currently employed as an educator).
- Rookie Educator – an educator who has taught less than five years in Henderson County.
- Post-Secondary Educator – an educator who teaches at the post-secondary level in Henderson County.
- Education Supporter – a person who may or may not work for the educational system that has provided direct educational support and encouragement to students to enhance student educational attainment in Henderson County.
Each award winner was recognized for their contributions and presented with a commemorative crystal apple during an end-of-year assembly with their colleagues. Award winners will also be acknowledged via individual billboards located throughout Henderson County during the month of June.
The following individuals were recognized for their outstanding contribution to education in Henderson County.
2022 Veteran Educator of the Year: Jaqueline Caudill – Holy Name School Third Grade Teacher
Quotes from nomination letter: “I wanted to bring something to your attention about Mrs. Caudill. My son came home from school complaining that he was being made fun of by some of his classmates because he played the banjo. He traded in his electric guitar for it. I brought it to the attention of Mrs. Caudill. One night recently, she attended a concert at the Fine Arts Center. The next day, she played videos for her students about the performance. She mentioned how neat it is to have different musical talents and gifts from God. The class discussed the different instruments they all play, and she also informed the class that her husband plays the banjo. My son came home telling me all about this experience. It warms my heart to know there is such a kind, uplifting teacher out there who is committed to her students’ emotional wellbeing as well as their academic success.”
2022 Rookie Educator of the Year: Devyn Berry – Jefferson Elementary School Second Grade Teacher
Quotes from nomination letter: “She always has a positive attitude despite the circumstances. She has embraced the new instructional curriculum and constantly works to improve her craft of educating students. She utilizes best practices and instructional strategies that have been proven to improve student achievement. Ms. Berry is open to coaching and feedback. She will take a suggestion and immediately apply the new idea or strategy in her classroom instruction. She is able to identify students’ needs and immediately prompt and support in a way that is not typical of a first year teacher.”
2022 Post-Secondary Educator of the Year: Berry Phelps – Henderson Community College STEM Division Chair and Associate Professor
“Mr. Phelps is truly a gifted instructor, but his work as an academic leader distinguishes him from his colleagues. Mr. Phelps has served as the Chair of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Division (STEM) for the last four years. He has also served on and chaired the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Faculty Senate, the highly respected committee which facilitates faculty governance across the state’s community and technical colleges. Mr. Phelps also serves on a variety of local committees including the HCC Leadership Team, the Quality Assurance of Instruction Committee, and the College Assessment and Accreditation Team. Through these efforts, Mr. Phelps helps shape the academic policies, procedures and curriculum that affect our students. He ensures that academic and intellectual freedom continues for our faculty and helps guide the institution toward a better future.”
2022 Support Educator of the Year: Christy Kirchoff – Thelma B Johnson Early Learning Center School Secretary
Quotes from nomination letter: “She always was a safe place for children and recognized that many students were coming to school with baggage from home. Her smile is inviting, her hugs are healing, and her good listening ears helped create a safe environment for children to learn and thrive. In and out of the classroom, Christy goes above and beyond to make sure students’ needs are met and that children have an opportunity to grow and learn. No child can learn when their basic needs aren’t met.”
The Henderson Chamber of Commerce also extends thanks and appreciation to the sponsors of the 2022 Educator of the Year awards:
- Pittsburg Tank and Tower Group
- Alexander, Thompson, Arnold CPA Firm
- Independence Bank
- Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union
In addition to the Educator of the Year awards, The Henderson Chamber of Commerce also awarded three graduating high school seniors each with $500 scholarships toward their chosen path for continued education. Scholarships were awarded to Arly Cleto, Dylon Moore, and Lillian Green.
About the Henderson Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit corporation incorporated locally in 1950. Today the organization works to strengthen the local economy, advocate for its members and the community, advance community excellence, and deliver value to its members.
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