Hopkins awards due soon
By Chris Walker (Contact)
Originally published 02:07 p.m., May 5, 2008
Updated 02:07 p.m., May 5, 2008
The Hopkins Foundation isn’t saying when, but sometime soon, foundation board members will be surprising Emporia public school teachers and support staff with cash awards.
The awards recognize those who make a difference in children’s lives and reward staff for their extra work. This year, 14 lucky people will share in more than $30,000.
Hopkins board member Tom Krueger said he enjoys the surprise announcements.
“It’s exciting to be there when winners’ names are being read and then see the all the students cheering and yelling,” Krueger said.
Winning teachers will receive Star Performer Awards given at three levels: preschool through fourth grades; fifth through eighth grades; and ninth through 12 grades. The top three teachers at each level will receive $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.
Support staff receive WOW awards and $1,000.
The board received 43 nominations and then a selection committee and board members selected the winners, Krueger said.
“The most important thing we look at in picking teachers is the service to the students and helping students achieve and going out of their way to support students.” Krueger said.
This is the fifth year for awards. The foundation has given away more than $150,000 since the program began.
The program was set up by the E.L. and Irene Hopkins Foundation.
“E.L. started his company out of a garage but it became very successful,” Krueger said. “He always had in his heart a desire to help students but also wanted to recognize those who help students so that is why these teaching awards were set up.”
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