Chesapeake Teacher Wins National Alumni Award

By Beth Michaels

Carrie Hess (pictured), an English teacher at Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville Adventist Academy in Silver Spring, Md., joined 11 other Seventh-day Adventist teachers across North America who received top recognition by the Alumni Awards Foundation (AAF). AAF presented its annual Excellence in Teaching Awards at Adventist schools around the country. 

Countless teachers were nominated last fall for the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Awards. Nominations included recommendations by peer teachers, principals, superintendents and union education directors. The awards, which include $1000 gift to each recipient, were delivered publicly at ceremonies dedicated to each teacher. 

The 12 finalists were selected on a basis of classroom innovation, passion for teaching, professional growth, and commitment to Adventist education. “Great teachers are the heartbeat of great Adventist schools,” says Melanie Eddlemon, AAF associate director. “We look for teachers who are leaders at their schools; teachers who inspire both their peers and their students.”

“Monetary and national recognition is our way of showing our deep appreciation for extraordinary teachers,” says AAF board member Bryon DeFoor. “These teachers are life-changers, and we want to give them the value they deserve.”

AAF is a nonprofit organization that develops and funds programs to stimulate excellence in Adventist schools across the country. Since its establishment in 1995, AAF has awarded grants totaling more than $1 million. The foundation aims to awaken the Adventist community to the full potential of Adventist schools.

For more information or photos, please contact Eddlemon at melanie@alumniawards.com.