The Chillicothe School District proudly announces that Katie Maples, an art teacher at Chillicothe Elementary School (CES), has been named the Teacher of the Year, and Laura Schuler, Secretary to the Superintendent, has received the prestigious Beacon Award. The awards were presented last night during the annual Educational Foundation fundraising dinner held at the home of Ed Milbank.
Katie Maples was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the educational community, inspiring students through her innovative teaching methods and dedication to the arts. She was nominated alongside other exceptional educators, including Natalie Holcer from CES, Brook Kreatz from Chillicothe Middle School (CMS), Canaan Fairley from Chillicothe High School (CHS), and Denise Toole from the Great River Technical School (GRTS).
As part of the Teacher of the Year recognition, nominees receive an $800 prize and $1,200 for classroom supplies, while the winner receives a $1,600 prize and $1,200 for classroom supplies.
Laura Schuler was honored with the Beacon Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership and commitment to the district's mission. She was nominated alongside a distinguished group of colleagues, including Kelly Potts, CES Paraprofessional; Marty Sharp, CES Custodian; Manny Morales, CMS Custodian; Michele Murrell, CHS Secretary; and Tonia Akerson, GRTS Secretary. Nominees for the Beacon Award receive $300, while the winner receives $600.
In total, $12,900 in award money was distributed to the Teacher of the Year and Beacon Award winners and nominees, highlighting the foundation's commitment to recognizing and supporting the district's dedicated staff. Additionally, the Chillicothe Education Foundation previously provided the Chillicothe R-II School District with $13,445.30 in Mini-Grants during the 2024-25 school year. This brings the total yearly Education Foundation donation to the district to an impressive $26,345.30.
"We are incredibly proud of Katie and Laura for their remarkable achievements and the positive impact they have on our students and community," said Dr. Dan Wiebers, Superintendent of Chillicothe R-II School District. "Their dedication and hard work embody our vision of building a brighter future for our children and our community."
The annual Educational Foundation fundraising dinner is a vital event that supports educational programs and initiatives within the Chillicothe School District. This year's event was a resounding success, bringing together community members, educators, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of our dedicated staff.
For more information about the Chillicothe School District and its commitment to excellence in education, please visit www.chillicotheschools.org