Three Bartholomew teachers recognized with Reams awards

Three Bartholomew County teachers are being recognized with this year’s Reams Family Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County is announcing that private school teachers Karie Sutton, Kendra Duke and Micah McCormick are the winners for this year’s awards. The awards recognize outstanding educators teaching in private schools serving Bartholomew County. Recipients are nominated by their principals with additional recommendations encouraged from fellow teachers, parents and students.

The awards come with a cash stipend with $6,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place and $4,000 for third place.

Sutton, the first place winner, has been a third grade and music teacher for White Creek Lutheran for two years. Duke is the second place winner and she has taught lower elementary grades at ABC-Stewart Montessori School for five years. McCormick, a sixth grade social studies and discipleship teacher at St. Peter’s Lutheran School for three years, is the third place winner.

The awards, administered by Heritage Fund, were established in 2007 by former Bartholomew County residents Fred and Karen Reams.

More information on the teachers, courtesy of Heritage Fund:

• Sutton was nominated for her enthusiasm, patience and dedication. She is credited with developing and sustaining the band and choir programs at the school, making it possible for dozens of students to create music and using her own musical talents to inspire and
  instruct in other subjects, from math to Bible passages.

“Mrs. Sutton makes sure her students understand and succeed. Students,
parents and colleagues respect and appreciate the hard work and time she
invests in each child,” Principal Whitney Vandercar wrote in her nomination.

• Duke was nominated for being a compassionate and inspiring educator.
  Duke was recognized for her commitment to her students and creating an
  engaging environment where they each feel valued with lessons full of creativity
  and support.

“Kendra’s influence reaches beyond her classroom. She is a team player, a
mentor to her peers, and a trusted partner to our families. The students at our
school truly love Mrs. Duke,” Head of School Stefanie Stafford shared in her
nomination.

• McCormick was praised for her professionalism, positive spirit and servant-hearted leadership as well as professional growth and desire to support all learners.

“She continually contributes to a positive school environment, promotes
learning at the highest level, and strengthens the partnership between school
and home,” wrote Principal Paul Meredith in his nomination.