2024-2025 recipients
Unleashing the Power of Writing Together, Amy Seidle, Amy Arnold, Shannon Duffey & Melissa Van Hoose, Seibert Elementary School
Exceptional Science Fair, Paul Lasker, Beechcroft High School
Growing a Diverse Garden Experience, Victoria Johnson & Judith Elam, Georgian Heights Elementary School
Growing Social Activists & Critical Thinkers, Sonja DeGenova, Woodcrest Elementary School
Bringing Novels to Life, Monique Walker, Sherwood Middle School
Courage Club, Brittany Baker, West Mound Elementary School
WP Star Steppers, Jocelyn Reedus, Weinland Park Elementary School
Inspiring Community Through Artwork of Aminah Robinson & Elijah Pierce, Maggie Rapp Boggess, Beatty Park & Trevitt Elementary Schools
2023-2024 recipients
Social Justice & Social Emotional Book Club, Stephanie Gaddis, Westgate Alternative Elementary School
Drama Club, Julia Romano, South High School
Empowering Parents With Speech & Language Literacy, Sarah Kakoules, Easthaven Elementary School
Exploring Black Illustrators, DeAndrea Jones, Weinland Park Elementary School
Step Team, Jocelyn Reedus, Weinland Park Elementary School
Reading 4 Justice Book Club, Courtney Johnson & Linda Key, Ft. Hayes Arts & Academic High School
Social Emotional & Racial Justice Book Club, Stacy Callahan, Avalon Elementary School
Exceptional Science Fair, Paul Lasker, Beechcroft High School
Garden Club, Victoria Johnson, Georgian Heights Elementary School
Poetry Workshops, Sonja DeGenova, Woodcrest
Elementary School
2022-2023 recipients
The Power of Voice, Maggie Rapp Boggess & Nealita Callahan, Trevitt Elementary and Beatty Park Elementary Schools
Reading 4 Justice Book Club, Chiquita Toure, Columbus Africentric Early College
Wonderful World of Poetry, Sonja DeGenova, Woodcrest Elementary School
Indoor Garden Project, Shawna Windle & Aimee Wyatt, Columbus Scioto 6-12
Environmental Science Lab, Lindsay Santen, BlendEd
Social Emotional & Racial Justice Book Club, Stacy Callahan, Avalon Elementary School
Newbery Challenge, Stephanie Stegall, Columbus Gifted Academy
3D Modeling Comes to Life, Gregory Scythes & John Keller, Northland High School
2021-2022 recipients
Covid Quilts, Rebecca Woods & Allison Vrancken, Ft. Hayes Arts and Academic High School
Linden Musical Festival, Stephen Ingram, Linden-McKinley High School
Cultural Heritages Connected through Ceramic Art, Tera Stockdale, Columbus North International High School
Mentorship Program, Linda Key, Gifted and Talented Department
Digital Literacy Empowering Students, Tim Harry & Brittany Baker, Department of Adult and Community Education
#Reading4Justice Book Club, Courtney Johnson, Ft. Hayes Arts and Academic High School
Community Art Garden, Melissa Hohenberger & Emmy McCoy, Shady Lane Elementary
Social Justice Book Club, Tracey Johnson, Berwick Alternative K-8 School
Community Service Club, Jennifer Peters, Briggs High School
Cooking Club, Lauren Goheen, Jessica Cyrus & Dolly Temple- Jackson, Cassady Elementary School
Argumentative Essay Writing Inspired by Zoo Trip, Susan Mazur & Kimani Haley, Marion-Franklin High School
Amplifying Student Voices, Patricia Vazquez, Jessica Dackin & Johari Mitchell, Columbus Spanish Immersion Academy
PreK Math Enrichment with 2nd Grade, DeAndrea Jones, Weinland Park Elementary School
Library Labyrinths, Nancy Nenninger-Gualtieri, Moler Elementary School
Creating Fun and Magic in LA Classroom, Rashaun James, Mifflin Middle School
Writing Wall of Fame, Sam Leopold, World Language Middle School
Community Garden, Melissa Hohenberger, Shady Lane Elementary School
Social Justice & Social Emotional Book Club, Alkebu Parks, Cedarwood Elementary School
Social Justice Activities, Michele Stutz, Hilltonia Middle School
Reading 4 Justice Book Club, Chiquita Toure, Columbus Africentric Early College
Gardening Grows Leaders, Fian Kunesh, Woodward Park Middle School
Reflective Art, Maggie Rapp Boggess, Trevitt Elementary & Beatty Park Elementary Schools
Memorial Mosaic Mural, Sarah Grosh, Ecole Kenwood French Immersion Elementary School
Read to Succeed, Sam Leopold, PAR
International Cooks, Lee Bishop, Columbus North International
High School
Black History Fair, Brittany Sherman, Columbus Downtown High School
Science Exploration, DeAndrea Jones, Weinland Park Elementary
Poetry Study & Celebration, Annie Weiler, Fairmoor Elementary School
School Wide Market, Katie O'Leary, Southwood Elementary School
Reading 4 Justice Book Club, Courtney Johnson, Ft. Hayes Arts & Academic High School
STAR Vision Step Team, Jocelyn Reedus, Weinland Park Elementary School
Sensory Safe Sanctuary, Teresa Rufo & Sarah Giglio, Eastgate Elementary School
Make that Change, Sam Leopold, PAR
Engagement and Creative Thinking, Jessica Hursey, Woodcrest Elementary Schoo
Butterfly Garden, Mary West, Indian Springs Elementary
School
Social Justice Songs through Ukuleles, Deborah Kincaid, Broadleigh Elementary School
#Reading4Justice Book Club, Hannah Green, Whetstone High School
Hands On Experience Learning, Kathleen McAfee, Sonja DeGenova & Michael Menendez, Woodcrest Elementary School
Projects Inspired by Multicultural Books, John Kountz, South Mifflin STEM Academy
#Reading4Justice Book Club, Chiquita Toure, Eastmoor Academy
Black History Project, Jessica Hursey, Woodcrest Elementary School
Newbery Challenge, Stephanie Stegall, Columbus Gifted Academy
S.A.V.E. a Life, Sam Leopold, PAR
School-Wide Community Service Club, Caryn Shapiro, Columbus Global Academy
Technology-Based Musical Theater, Vera Allen, Georgian Heights Elementary School
Challenges & Hands on Projects, Rosalind Parker, Olde Orchard Elementary School
The Sister Spot, Maya Marlowe, Columbus Preparatory School for Girls
3D Salon Project & Business Plan, Wanda Presberry, Columbus Downtown High School
Grapho Reading Club, Quetah Sackie-Osborne, Berwick Alternative Elementary School
Student Podcast, Alana Veach, Marion-Franklin High School
Fiber Arts Collective, Nina Young, Columbus Preparatory School for Girls
3D Modeling Comes to Life, Gregory Scythes & John Kellar, Northland High School
Hip Hop & Social Justice Literacy, Vera Allen, Georgian Heights Elementary School
Reading 4 Justice Book Club, Hannah Green, Whetstone High School
Gardening, Patricia Vazquez, Spanish Immersion Academy & Katie Young, Farm to School/Nutrition Coordinator
Social Emotional Learning Through Art, Tera Stockdale, Columbus North International High School & Dana Stacy, Columbus Global Academy
Mindful Movement Club, Kelly Aitken, Columbus Gifted Academy
James & Noble Book Store, Rashaun James, Mifflin Middle School
Social Justice Book Club, Laura Henry, Starling PreK-8
Engaging Activities, Kathleen McAfee and Lirea Turner, Woodcrest Elementary School
Poetry Cafe, Wanda Mays, Berwick Alternative PreK-8 School
Create Documentaries, Jennifer Harvey, Columbus Online Academy K-8
Kindness Through Art, Amy Lehotsky, South High School
Math & Science Club, Kathleen McAfee & Michael Menendez, Woodcrest Elementary School
Reading 4 Justice Book Club, Hannah Green, Whetstone High School
Magical Reading, Rashaun James, Mifflin Middle School
Mindful Movement Club, Kelly Aitken, Columbus Gifted Academy
STEAM Life Productions, Keith Jorgensen, Berwick Alternative K-8
The Viking Cafe, Marsha Bracken & Margaret Early, Northland High School
Social Justice Book Club, Laura Henry, Starling K-8
Poetry Cafe Open Mic, Wanda Mays, Berwick Alternative PreK-8 School
Outdoor Theater, Eileen Weidner, Devonshire Elementary School
Hands On STEM Projects, Janaya Foster, Adrienne Reinhart, Yasmeen Mallory, Livingtson Elementary School
STEAM Lab Makers Space, Wanda Mays, Berwick Alternative Pre K-8 School
Projects from Culturally and Racially Diverse Books, Stephanie Born, Briggs High School
Media Production Club, Jean Trimble, Northland High
School
Cultural Connections through Art, DeAndrea Jones, Weinland Elementary School
Policy Making in Action, Jim Worden, Columbus North International High School
Caldecott and Newbery Challenges, Kelly Aitken, Columbus Gifted Academy
2020-2021 Racial Justice initiative RECIPIENTS
Climbing to the Top, Merele Wilder & Robyn Chernack, Cedarwood Alternative Elementary School
Professional Development, Allison Volz, Highland Elementary School
Kendi Book Study, Erin Peebles, Linden Park ECEC
You Matter, Jocelyn Reedus, Weinland Park Elementary School
Empowering Latinx and African American Students, Patricia Vozquez, Columbus Spanish Immersion Academy
Bias-free Book Discussion, Fairmoor Elementary School, Leah Turner
Gardening, Amye Sukapdgo, Ecole Kenwood French Immersion K-6
Song Writing, Lisa Brandt, Columbus North International School. Pam Welsh-Higgins, Centennial High School
2020-2021 recipients
Books Bring Balance, Sam Leopold and Maya Marlowe, PARBooks Bring Balance, Sam Leopold and Maya Marlowe, PAR
Urban Sketch, Christy Olson, Briggs High School
Year Long Camping, DeAndrea Jones, Weinland Park Elementary School
Hands on Experiences, Kathleen McAfee & Jessica Hursey, Ohio Avenue Elementary School
Learning Boxes, Samantha Pelton & Vicki Jackson, Northtowne Elementary School
Newbery Challenge, Stephanie Stegall, Columbus Gifted Academy
Gardening, Amy Sukapdjo, Ecole Kenwood French Immersion K-6
Mural Projects, C.C. Mitchell-Mason, South High School
3D Modeling, John Kellar and Gregory Scythes, Northland High School
Sensory Program, Lori Smith, Maize Elementary School
School Garden, Katie Young, Devonshire Elementary School
Mingei Dishware, Lee Bishop & Tera Stockdale, Columbus North International School
Community Book Club, Chiquita Toure, Eastmoor High School, Courtney Johnson,Ft. Hayes & Academic High School, Hannah Green, Whetstone High School, Stephanie Meeks, Columbus Africentric Early College High School
Mask Making, C.C. Mitchell Mason, South High School
Race Through American History, Karen Ballmer, Whetstone High School
Science Projects, Ravin Pandey, South High School
Outdoor Learning, Katie Young, Devonshire Elementary School
2019-2020 RECIPIENTS
Hands on Learning, Kathleen McAfee, Ohio Avenue Elementary School
After School Art Club, John Kountz and Melissa Cochran, South Mifflin STEM Academy
Garden to Cooking, Katie Young, Devonshire Elementary School
Wonder of Words, Jackie Galbreath, Beth Gasior & Ronda Rudd, Gifted and Talented Department
TI-Innovator Rovers, Jennifer Zutterling, Krista Jacob, Sheri Wukelic Koehler, Central High School
Lunch Learning Environment, Ayisha Marawi & Ashley Wilke, Indian Springs Elementary School
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Jennifer Harvey, Hubbard Mastery School
Newbery Challenge and Newbery Madness, Kelly Aitken, Columbus Gifted Academy
Science Fair, Paul Lasker, Beechcroft High School
Hands on Learning, Kathleen McAfee, Ohio Avenue Elementary School
After School Art Club, John Kountz and Melissa Cochran, South Mifflin STEM Academy
Garden to Cooking, Katie Young, Devonshire Elementary School
Wonder of Words, Jackie Galbreath, Beth Gasior & Ronda Rudd, Gifted and Talented Department
School Mural, Amy Lehotsky, South High School
School Murals, C.C. Mitchell-Mason, South High School
Academic Based Murals, Jill Hurley, Whetstone High School
Health and Well Being Family Nights, Laurie Batdorf, Hilltonia Middle School
Paying It Forward, Sam Leopold, Columbus Gifted Academy
Hands on Learning, Kathleen McAfee, Ohio Avenue Elementary School
After School Art Club, John Kountz and Melissa Cochran, South Mifflin STEM Academy
Garden to Cooking, Katie Young, Devonshire Elementary School
Wonder of Words, Jackie Galbreath, Beth Gasior & Ronda Rudd, Gifted and Talented Department
Environment Interactions, Andrew Bloom, Briggs High School
Music and Math, DeAndrea Jones, Weinland Park Elementary School
Space Museum, Karen Richards, Siebert Elementary School
Creativity and Imagination Mosaic, Maggie Rapp Boggess, Beatty Park and Trevitt Elementary Schools
Newbery Challenge, Stephanie Stegall, Columbus Gifted Academy
School Garden, Katie Young, Devonshire Elementary School
Masks of Central America and Mexico, Jill Hurley, Whetstone High School
Mural Projects, C.C. Mitchell-Mason, South High School
Published Writing, Ohio Avenue Elementary, Sonja Johnson
Newberry Challenge, Kelly Aiken, Columbus Gifted Academy
Erase the Space, Amelia Gordon, South High School
Multi Media Mural, Megan Evans, Allison Vrancken and Rebecca Woods, Ft. Hayes Arts & Academic School
Diversity Lesson, DeAndrea Jones, Weinland Park Elementary School
Designing Ancient Egyptian and Roman 3D Ships, Andrew Cashin, Columbus Gifted Academy
Empowerment Program, Coralie Hafner, Weinland Park Elementary School
Newbery Challenge, Stephanie Stegall, Columbus Gifted Academy
Science Fair, Paul Lasker, Beechcroft High School
TEDx Talks, Jacqueline Galbreath and Beth Gasior, Gifted Department
Mosaic Projects, Amy Lehotsky, South High School
School Garden, John Kountz and Melissa Cochran, South Mifflin STEM Academy
Narrative Quilts, Lysa Harris, Columbus Africentric School
Science Alive, Kathleen McAfee, Ohio Avenue Elementary School
World Percussion Ensemble, Lisa Brandt, Columbus North International School
Poetry Workshop, Wanda Mays, Berwick Alternative K-8
Black History Month Projects, Holli Anderson and Susan Mazur, Columbus Scioto 6-12
Justice for All, Samuel Leopold, Columbus Gifted Academy
Handmade Cultural Diversity Books, Thomas Trang, Columbus North International School
Japanese Cultural Identity Artwork, Tera Stockdale and Lee Bishop, Columbus North International School