2023 Educator of the Year Awards

3/3/2023

For over two decades, The Chamber’s Success School has championed excellence in education with the annual awards ceremony, which recognizes the best teachers and programs in accredited schools across Monroe County. This year eight educators, one educational program, and one lifetime achievement recipient were honored in a community celebration at the 22nd Annual Educator of the Year Awards held on the evening of Thursday, March 2nd, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington, Shreve Hall. The program featured student-led entertainment with a performance from the cast of “Into the Woods” from Bloomington High School South.

(L-R): Eric Spoonmore (Chamber President & CEO), Greg Valenta, Shawnice Johns, Laura Lucas, Dr. Debra Prenkert, Rebecca Pittman, Dr. Kirstin Milks, Megan Stelly, Robin Taft, Stacy Pie, Aaron Wells (Director of Marching Mustangs)

The Outstanding Educator Awards recognize outstanding service and dedication to the field of education, fellow educators, and Monroe County youth. Congratulations to our eight outstanding educators:

Shawnice Johns, Special Education Community-Based Teacher at Bloomington High School South
Laura Lucas, Kindergarten Teacher at Unionville Elementary
Dr. Kirstin Milks, AP Biology and Earth/Space Science Teacher at Bloomington High School South
Stacy Pie, Journey’s Teacher at Edgewood Primary School
Rebecca Pittman, Title I Interventionist at Edgewood Intermediate School
Megan Stelly, Geometry Teacher and Assistant Unified Track Coach at Edgewood High School
Robin Taft, PE/Health Teacher at Edgewood High School
Greg Valenta, Engineering & Architecture Teacher at Hoosier Hills Career Center

The Leading Light Award is for an educational program that demonstrates outstanding service and dedication with innovative or exemplary programs that enhance our education community. This year’s awardee is:

Marching Mustangs at Edgewood High School

The Lifetime Achievement Award is for one individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding commitment to education. This year’s lifetime achievement awardee is:

Dr. Debra Prenkert, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education at MCCSC

See photos from this years award ceremony below.

Thank you to all of the sponsors that made this event spectacular including: Hoosier Fiber Networks, IU Credit Union, First Financial Bank, Ivy Tech Community College, Nature's Way, Duke Energy, Old National Bank, Solution Tree, The Herald-Times, and Class 101.