7 Henrico Schools officials earn REB honors

Four Henrico County Public Schools instructors recently won REB Awards for Teaching Excellence, and three others were finalists for the awards, which are given by The Community Foundation annually to educators in the region.

The winners received grants ranging from $8,300 to $11,900, which will enable them to engage in personalized learning experiences, with the goal of helping them become even better instructors. Winners will travel to pursue cutting-edge study in their fields. Throughout the Richmond area, a total of 18 winners and 13 finalists were selected from among the 109 teachers nominated by students, parents and colleagues.

The foundation’s awards identify, recognize and support teaching excellence in the Richmond area and are given to nominees who have distinguished themselves through their inspiring performance in the classroom.

“Congratulations to these seven HCPS educators on this tremendous honor,” said Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent. “Our teachers are second to none, and these teachers are stellar examples of the amazing work they do in the classroom each day.”

The Henrico winners are:

• Donna Kouri, Greenwood Elementary School: $11,900 to visit national parks and participate in traditional folk schools to learn, connect and apply independent, sustainable living skills.

• Sarah Peña, Greenwood Elementary School: $11,700 to explore museums, model schools and multicultural traditions in Dubai, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. Peña will study ways to foster global citizenship by connecting students across cultures, languages and continents.

• Erin Daniel, Quioccasin Middle School: $11,000 to travel to visit some of the healthiest places on earth — Spain and Costa Rica — to study habits and ideas that promote health and wellness. The innovative learning coach aims to expand her skills by adding authentic health and wellness strategies to improve herself, the school and the school division.

• Michael Fetsko, Mills E. Godwin High School: $8,300 to travel to national parks in Alaska to observe the impact of climate change on the environment and topography.

Henrico finalists were:
• Susan Chamberlin, Holman Middle School;
• Neeley Karkosak, Gayton Elementary School;
• Cristina Lynn, Shady Grove Elementary School.

Each received a cash award of $750.

The winners were surprised Nov. 4 by Cashwell with announcements at three virtual school staff meetings.