Did you know that Lincoln Elementary School is FULL of Award-winning educators? All of our educators work SO HARD every day to make sure that our Lions are learning and growing and excelling! AND, sometimes we have educators who are recognized for going above and beyond to a new level of AWESOME! At Lincoln Elementary School this year, THREE of our educators have been recognized:
Angela Workman, Paraprofessional, was awarded the Excellence in Education Award from JSD117, Jacksonville School Foundation and union partnership. Ms. Workman approaches each day with a positive attitude and an unwavering commitment to helping others. No matter the challenge, she brings encouragement, patience, and enthusiasm to every task. This positivity not only supports students in their learning but also creates a welcoming and uplifting environment for everyone around her. She is dependable, flexible, and always ready to lend a hand, often anticipating needs before being asked. She is also incredibly generous, often spending her own money to ensure students have the supplies, snacks, clothing, or little extras they need to fee cared for and successful at school. Her patience, flexibility, and willingness to step in wherever needed have been invaluable in helping students grow both academically and emotionally.
Karen Fezler, Kindergarten Teacher, was awarded the Educator of the Year Award from JSD117, Jacksonville School Foundation and the JEA. Mrs. Fezler exemplifies dedication, compassion, and commitment to student success. She understands that kindergarten is a critical foundation for a child's academic journey, and she approaches that responsibility with care, creativity, and determination. She stops at nothing to meet the needs of each of her students, creating engaging lessons, building strong relationships, and providing individualized support so that every child can grow and thrive. Serving on committees that help develop and strengthen processes that support students across the entire district, her work ensures that students at all grade levels receive the interventions, resources, and support they need to succeed. The impact she has on others reaches far beyond her own classroom walls. She inspires her colleagues with her dedication, positivity, and willingness to always do what is best for students.
Anita Hayes, Dean of Students, was recently awarded the "Mental Health Hero" award from the Jared's Keepers Foundation. As a school administrator, Mrs. Hayes dedicates each day to supporting and encouraging young people, bringing with her a special compassions shaped by the loss of her brother to suicide. She understands that many people are fighting battles others may never see and is determined to help ensure no one faces those struggles alone. She has taken that commitment beyond the walls of Lincoln Elementary by joining the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, where she works alongside others committed to creating awareness, strengthening prevention efforts, and bringing hope to individuals and families across Illinois.
WE ARE BLESSED WITH THE BEST AT LINCOLN ELEMENTARY!