Teachers who know how to bring out the best in their students are incredible gifts. As they lift minds up, they foster a love for learning, often character values, and sense of worth.

It was great to recently see The Rotary Club of Cincinnati honor Cincinnati Public Schools teachers who developed new programs, expanded education

Front row: Rotarian Doug Adams, Honoree Deidre Simpson, Honoree Brynn Thomas. Rear row, from left, Lisa Votaw, Rotarian Mike Vilardo, CPS Superintendent Laura Mitchell and Rotary Club of Cincinnati President Rick Flynn. Honoree Carrie McCarthy was not available for the photo.

beyond the classroom, and inspired students to personal and academic success.

Honorees included:

Deidre Simpson, honored as Innovator of the Year. When Simpson wanted to inject some real-life experience and excitement in her science classes at Evanston Academy, she turned to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Supported by GE Aviation, Deidre designed the nation’s first partnership curriculum where professionals from the Air and Space Museum interact with students via real-time internet connections.  She also leads the school’s Robotics Team, which has received more than 25 trophies in the past eight years.

Carrie McCarthy, social studies teacher at Woodward High School, received the Teacher Leader award. Carrie is a mentor as well as teacher, focusing on student success both academically and developmentally. “She provides a safe place for students to learn, take chances, and build the skills to succeed beyond high school,” said Laura Mitchell, CPS superintendent.

Brynn Thomas, who teaches social studies at the School for Creative and Performing Arts, received the Community Service/Humanitarian Award. She creates opportunities for her students to engage in meaningful work and implement critical thinking, both in and out of the classroom. Brynn was responsible for bringing the African American Studies course to SCPA and develops projects that have real community impact. One of those projects had students doing research to map historically black businesses in the city.

 Lisa Votaw, principal of Aiken High School, was named Administrator of the Year. In a school where 22 percent of the students are homeless or living transient lives, she has built a vibrant support system where students feel safe and can build the skills for a stable future. “She creates a culture where the students want to be at school, they want to learn,” said Mitchell.

The Rotary Club of Cincinnati was founded in 1910 as a service and networking organization with a mission to provide selfless service in the community and the world and to meet needs of children with disabilities. With close to 350 members, it is the largest Rotary Club in Greater Cincinnati. The Rotary Foundation is its philanthropic arm.