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Young Recognized Amongst Region’s Top Educators

Posted on: May 5, 2023
Young Munoz

Harrison Junior School Guidance Counselor Kelly Young was among twenty-five of Hamilton County’s top public school educators who were recognized on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the 14th Annual Celebrate Excellence Educator Recognition Breakfast. The program, sponsored by the Hamilton County Education Foundation, was held at the Sharonville Convention Center. Retired Bengal Anthony Munoz served as the master of ceremonies for the celebration. 

Dr. Adrienne James, President/CEO of the Hamilton County Education Foundation, shared, “These 25 honorees, who were selected by their district, are recognized for their exceptional ability to promote a curiosity for learning in an environment where each student feels valued and encouraged to grow.” 

Dr. James added, “We believe that you deserve to be celebrated for the extraordinary impact you are making in this world. You have demonstrated your commitment and devotion to your students, colleagues, and profession. We applaud you for your enthusiasm, dedication, and success.”

Nominations submitted for this prestigious award described these honorees as talented and effective educators who simply love their work. One nomination complimented the educator's ability to recognize each child's beauty and unique gifts and design instruction to meet each person’s needs. Another educator was described as having a gift for making children realize they could do what they once thought was impossible.

Dr. Ande Durojaiye, Vice President of Miami University’s regional campuses, was the featured speaker. Dr. Durojaiye spoke about the power and impact educators have on the lives of their students and the power that educators had on his family’s life. 

The 2023 Celebrate Excellence honorees are:

  • Cincinnati Public Schools - Nicole Williams

  • Deer Park Community City Schools - Evan Hills

  • Finneytown Local Schools - Britany Utley

  • Forest Hills Local Schools - Beth Gifford

  • Great Oaks Career Campuses - Kimberly Freeman

  • Hamilton County Educational Service Center - Connie Reyes-Rau

  • Indian Hill Exempted Village Schools - Loni Jackson

  • Lockland Local Schools - Debbie Benderman 

  • Loveland City Schools-Andy Price

  • Madeira City Schools- Tammy Roberts

  • Mariemont City Schools - Shelley Komrska

  • Mason City Schools - Marie Jones

  • Mt. Healthy City Schools - Cheryl Wilson

  • North College Hill City Schools - Laura Grigg

  • Northwest Local Schools - Jennifer Hoeh

  • Norwood City Schools - Emily Hutchison

  • Oak Hills Local Schools - Amy McNabb

  • Princeton City Schools - Janet Davenport

  • Reading Community City Schools - RJ Hayes

  • Southwest Local Schools - Kelly Young

  • St. Bernard-Elmwood Place City Schools -  Bruce Helwagen

  • Sycamore Community Schools -Sean Minion

  • Three Rivers Local Schools - Mary Whitton

  • Winton Woods City Schools - Matt Alander

  • Wyoming City Schools- Angie Arengo

 

The Celebrate Excellence event is presented by The Hamilton County Education Foundation, established in 2006 by the Hamilton County Educational Service Center Governing Board. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting the work of educators in various ways throughout the year.