2022 ~ Award Nominees
Cornerstone Award: For a Parent, Grandparent, Guardian, Board Member or a group of the same
Recognizing an individual parent, grandparent, guardian, board member or group of the same who demonstrate significant levels of commitment and involvement to Delaware’s public charter schools. The nominee is a visionary for significant educational improvements who inspires others and whose involvement addresses student needs. The nominee’s involvement has a positive impact on the community and has the potential to be expanded or replicated either locally or state-wide.
Brooke Balan, The Charter School of Wilmington
Claudia Van Lenten, The Charter School of Wilmington
Kendria Waltower, Great Oaks Charter School
Community Ties Award: For a school, staff member(s), student(s), or a community organization
Recognizing a school, staff member(s), board member(s), student(s), community member(s), or organization(s) that has worked toward effective and rewarding community alliances/partnerships. The nominee shows a strong partnership between a charter school and the community or organization that affects students and positively impacts their education and the community at large. The partnership uses innovative and creative approaches that have the potential to be expanded or replicated either locally or state-wide. The partnership also provides opportunities to get the community involved in our schools.
Neha Veeragandham, The Charter School of Wilmington
Nathan J. Zhao, The Charter School of Wilmington
Vansh Kapoor, The Charter School of Wilmington
Meaghan Harris / Best Buddies, First State Montessori Academy
Jaleesa Cobb / Reading Assist, First State Montessori Academy
Innovation and Dedication Award (Elementary, Middle, or High School): For a School Staff Member or Group of Staff Members
Recognizing an individual teacher/staff member or group of teachers/staff members that have shown selfless devotion to students and gone “above and beyond” by introducing a new or creative method into their classroom(s) that has positively impacted their students. The nominee shows “selfless devotion” to the craft and/or students that has produced significant educational improvements, while going above and beyond to address student needs in a creative, innovative, and collaborative way. The nominee’s work demonstrates a collaborative effort and inspire others to do the same. The nominee utilized existing resources in new ways and/or sought out new resources to help with implementation.
This award is presented to 3 individuals/teams, one each at the elementary, middle and high school level.
Elementary School:
Daniel Primiani, Academia Antonia Alonso
Toria Avigliano, First State Montessori Academy
Rye Josloff, First State Montessori Academy
Lisa Marsey, MOT Charter
Stacie Husted, MOT Charter
Erin Goodwin, MOT Charter
ASPIRA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) Team
Nayelly Sanchez West, Kim Zapata, Sade Montano, Candace Henderson, Stephanie Saggione, Keiara Fana Ruiz, Nancy Labanda, DéYanna Yancey Harris
Liz Madden, Tracy Long, Holly Pommerening, Laura Schwait, Jocelyn Hall, & Erin Vinokur, First State Montessori Academy
Emily Higgins, Lizzy Zielinski, Carla Broadway, Alexis Adams, Tracy Long, Lauren Janusz, Kelsie Ward, First State Montessori Academy
Middle School:
ASPIRA, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Team
Nayelly Sanchez West, Kim Zapata, Sade Montano, Candace Henderson, Stephanie Saggione, Keiara Fana Ruiz, Nancy Labanda, DéYanna Yancey Harris
Michelle Treisner, First State Montessori Academy
Courtney Lykins, Great Oaks Charter School
Leon Rapuano, Odyssey Charter School
Lisa Marsey, MOT Charter
Don Whitaker, MOT Charter
Odyssey Charter School Middle School Specialists Team
Edina Buzgon, Darcy Kyle, Kelly Ellis, Katie Beardsly, Reid Kelly, Marla Andrews, Ms. Kent, Keaton Rennie, & Dr. Alexandra Mylonas
High School:
MOT COVID Team
Mitch Weiss, Beth Twitchell, Jamie McNatt, Rebecca Dooling, Morgan Lemen, Kirsten Costagno, Denise Williamson, & Tara Barrow
Erica Hitchens, Great Oaks Charter School
Christopher Kramer, The Charter School of Wilmington
Gregory Darone, The Charter School of Wilmington
Impact Too Award: For a Member of a School’s Leadership Team
Recognizing the second in command or another administrative staff member that has made a significant impact on Delaware’s education community. The nominee is a visionary for significant educational improvements who inspires others while utilizing innovative or creative approaches to address student needs. It is evident that the nominee is committed to sharing ideas and helping to sustain awareness of the charter movement.
Katelyn Whelan, EastSide Charter School
Liz Madden, First State Montessori Academy
Mitch Weiss, MOT Charter
Adriane Rodriguez, Odyssey Charter School
Chris Eddy, The Charter School of Wilmington
Impact Award: For a Charter School Leader
Recognizing the school leader that has made a significant impact on Delaware’s education community.
The Impact Award nominee should be a visionary for significant educational improvements who inspires others while utilizing innovative or creative approaches to address student needs. It should be evident that the nominee is committed to sharing ideas and helping to sustain awareness of the charter movement.
Margie López-Waite, Las Américas ASPIRA Academy
Rachel Valentin & LaRetha Odumosu, Charter School of New Castle
Ned Southworth, MOT Charter
Leland Kent, Great Oaks Charter School
Courtney Fox, First State Montessori Academy