The Hilton Central Schools Teachers Association (HCSTA) 2017-18 Teacher of the Year Award was presented at the annual staff convocation at Hilton High School in September. This year’s honoree is Barbara Richardson, Northwood Elementary School kindergarten teacher, who is described by staff and families as compassionate, dedicated, caring, kind, patient, outstanding, extraordinary, funny and sweet.
Richardson joined the district over 20 years ago as a substitute teacher in all of the Hilton schools and was then appointed as a kindergarten teacher at Northwood, where she has worked for the past 16 years. “Barbara touches the hearts of students and families,” wrote one of her nominators.
“It is an honor to receive this award and I am grateful to work in the Hilton School District,” said Richardson. “This is a school community of caring professionals who work together to give children a positive learning environment.”
The finalists for this year’s award were: Veronica Lyons and Keith Smith, Hilton High School; Robert Berg and Jamie Melos, Merton Williams Middle School; Kevin Whelehan, Northwood Elementary School; Jennifer Simpson, Quest Elementary School; and Carla Heise and Jen Humphreys, Village Elementary School.
Nominees must have more than five years of exceptional service to the district, active involvement in the Hilton community, and have made a substantial impact on the lives of their students and colleagues.
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