A Hays parent and teacher could both receive national honors this year. USD 489 Early Childhood Connections, a Head Start Program in Hays, submitted two nominations of Hays residents for a state award. Both nominations have won at the state and then the regional level, and are now being considered for the national title.
Becky Greer, who has been with the school district since 1997, was nominated for Teacher of the Year. Cindy Walters, a parent and volunteer within the Headstart program, was nominated for the Beating the Odds Parent award.
Winning the national award for either nomination would earn the winner $500 and a free pass to the national conference next spring. The Kansas Head Start Association would also assist the winner with travel expenses.
Early Childhood Connections Director Donna Hudson-Hamilton told Hays Post that each nomination must include a letter of reference along with the nomination. She says that individuals are notified that the program would like to submit their nomination for an award, but the nominee must then turn in certain documents and information. The nominee for the Teacher of the Year award must submit a biography as well as answer questions as to his / her experience, training, and contributions to the program and the community.
The nominee for the Beating the Odds Parent award must have been a volunteer in the program for at least the past year. The person must also submit a biography detailing how he / she has overcome significant adversity in their role as a parent and provider, a description of steps towards self-sufficiency, and key goals/aspirations for their future.
Hudson-Hamilton says she should know by mid-late October whether our local nominees have won at the national level.
Click below for a copy of each nominee’s biography.