A new ceremony in the Fox Cities is honoring teachers and school staff.
The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce organized the “Shining Star” Awards.
Spokeswoman Emily Feagles says they wanted to celebrate a wide range of educators, so there are awards for early childhood through higher education, and student services as well.
The business group handed out the awards at the Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley in downtown Appleton last night.
Paul Larson of Freedom High School won the inaugural Educator of the Year honor.
Excellence in K-12 Education – Mike Slowinski, Menasha High School
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to children and families enrolled in K-12 public or private education.
Excellence in Early Childhood Education – Jenny Hollis, Fox Valley Technical College
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to children and families in the first five years of development and learning.
Excellence in Student Services – Brian Borchardt, Neenah High School
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting students in and outside the classroom to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for students in K-16 education.
Excellence in Higher Education – Kate Manthey, UW-Oshkosh
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to student success and/or the advancement of knowledge in higher education.
Excellence in Special Education – Monica Allaback, Valley Packaging Industries
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving and advocating for students with special needs in K-16 education.
Inclusive Excellence in Education – Jason Fridley, Horace Mann Middle School
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to a comprehensive practice of valuing, engaging, advocating for and celebrating the rich diversity of students enrolled in K-16 education.
Excellence in Career & Technical Education – Cyndi Pavelski, Appleton North High School
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to student success in career and technical education.
Educator of the Year – Paul Larson, Freedom High School
Finalists – Teri Fechter, Richmond Elementary; Monica Jones, Xavier High School
This award honors an educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving the quality of education in the Fox Cities region, and who has an inspiring presence that motivates and influences students, colleagues and the community.
