By Katie Simpson
Each year, the Hamilton Community Foundation takes great pride in celebrating some of the community’s most extraordinary educators through the Harry T. Wilks Educator of Excellence Award. More than an award, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who inspire, encourage, and make a lasting difference in the lives of their students each and every day.
Made possible through the generous support of the Harry T. Wilks Foundation, this award shines a spotlight on educators who go above and beyond. Those who awaken curiosity, encourage innovation, and who provide meaningful leadership both in their schools and throughout the community. Educators from Hamilton City Schools and local parochial schools are nominated each year by their peers and administrators in recognition of the tremendous impact they make each day and their unwavering commitment to giving their students their very best.
Each honoree receives a $1,000 grant and, most importantly, the opportunity to be celebrated by the very community they serve so well. It’s a celebration of the teachers who do far more than teach lessons. They inspire possibilities, build confidence, and help shape the future, one student at a time.
This year’s 2026 nominees are:
- Rhonda Emmerling (Bridgeport)
- Sue Ernst (Crawford Woods)
- Rachel Patton (Miami School)
- Steve Braun (HHS)
- Paige Coffey (Wilson)
- Erin Schumacher (Brookwood)
- Jamie Cummins (Highland)
- Kelly Wright (Linden)
- Lisa Schulte (Ridgeway)
- Naomi DeWolfe (Riverview)
- Austin Teegarden (Garfield)
