Daviess County Public Schools has announced recipients of the eighth annual Teacher of the Year, Customer Service and Support Professional Awards program. The “Kids First” awards are an opportunity to recognize outstanding staff members who exemplify the highest ideals of the DCPS mission.
2020 DCPS Kids First Elementary Teacher of the Year
Nikki Knott – Preschool teacher, Burns Elementary School
From Nikki Knott: Words cannot express how honored I am to have been considered for such an outstanding award. There are so many deserving teachers in DCPS that have helped mentor me along the way. Burns Elementary School has become my second family and I am blessed to work with so many who push me to be a better me. I have learned a great deal from all my fellow colleagues, friends and students. I am also fortunate to have a huge support system in preschool. We have a great team who shares in the silly, fun adventures we encounter each day. Teaching this year has brought a whole new set of challenges, but with those challenges there are new successes. My family is my backbone and without their support, I couldn’t do what I love. To everyone who has a hand in my life, I thank you for always pushing me. You make this all possible. Thank you for always supporting me.
From BES principal Heather Newman: Nikki Knott is an exemplary teacher who embodies the Kids First mindset. She goes above and beyond to reach all of her students and families. Student engagement is high level in her classroom; she works to create and teach lessons that give her students hands-on experiences. She displays enthusiasm and passion for children and her knowledge of early childhood development is displayed each and every day as she prepares students for their next stages of development. She truly works to make a difference with every child. We are so proud of Nikki Knott and she is the perfect recipient to be named the Elementary Teacher of the Year in Daviess County Public Schools.
2020 DCPS Kids First Middle School Teacher of the Year
Judy Trunnell – Family and Consumer Science teacher, College View Middle School
From Judy Trunnell: I am truly thankful for this special honor. It adds a special touch knowing that so many of ‘my kids’ nominated me. I’ve heard it said, ‘It’s not how much you do, but how much love you put into it that counts.’ I truly love teaching and all that it entails. My kids inspire me to be a better teacher daily and I will be forever grateful for each and every one of them.
From CVMS principal Jennifer Crume: CVMS is so thankful to have staff like Judy Trunnell. She is constantly looking for ways to engage the students in real-world learning and application. She works hard, she is flexible, and she is a leader for our staff. Judy is always willing to go above and beyond to help others and she works hard to meet the needs of each student. Her students nominated her for this award and parents compliment her NTI assignments for their practicality. She is definitely a shining example of a teacher of the year, and we are so proud of her.
2020 DCPS Kids First High School Teacher of the Year
Julie Ford – English teacher, Daviess County High School
From Julie Ford: I look at this award, and I see reflected in its surface the faces of those who have helped me on my path. I pause with gratitude at the teachers who molded my philosophy – my parents (my first teachers), Mrs. Alice Howard (my favorite teacher), Dr. Dugan-Barrett (my advisor), Steve Rocco (my mentor). I smile at every kid who found a love of words in my classroom – the one who found himself in books, the one who walked with me through punctuation or poetry or parallel structure, the one who published her short story or finished a novel chapter. I am in awe of my amazing colleagues who each love their students and go beyond the expectations to help them and bring their joys to light. I have laughed and cried with them, and I hold all of their life stories in my heart. These are all the keepers of the flame, the story, and it must go on. I am blessed that all these people have come into my life, and I am grateful that my students’ families allowed me to be their teacher for a while.
From DCHS principal Matt Mason: Julie Ford is what we would call a phenomenal teacher. Daviess County High School is a better place because of her teaching and relationships with students. Her rigorous classroom involves high expectations of her students and herself. She is constantly looking for ways to connect to students and provide a relevant context for instruction. Finally, she commands the respect of her students by remaining fair and firm but displaying compassion for them as well.
2020 DCPS Kids First Support Professional
Daniel Lyne – Custodian, East View Elementary School
From Daniel Lyne: To be nominated for the 2020 DCPS Kids First Support Service award is a humbling honor. DCPS employs prolific and amazing individuals who place great importance on our community, kids and fellow team members. What a joy it truly is to be a part of the DCPS family. When (Supt. Matt) Robbins announced that I had been selected as the 2020 award winner, I was overwhelmed and surprised. I am grateful to receive such a prestigious award; however, the credit should be redirected to my fellow team members. I want to recognize and uplift every member of East View Elementary for being receptive to my thoughts and actions. Without their support, I would not be able to make the impact that led to receiving this award. My team members go out of their way to bring smiles, love, humor and a good dose of community to all who walk through our doors. East View’s mascot is a sun and it is because of this that we choose to shine, we choose to light up, and we choose to warm all who visit with us. It is because of this team that I too, have been infected with this contagious spirit that passes through our halls and is exemplified from the cafeteria to the front office. If the sun is shining everywhere, how can something not be seen? I humbly tip my hat to my East View crew and, with a heartfelt bow, I say, ‘Thank you.’ We shine as a district, no matter the mascot or location. It is all about perspective and choice. Thank you, fellow DCPS team members, for all you do; you are amazing.
From EVES principal Sonya Simpson: Mr. Daniel’s interaction with students and his creativity in teaching life lessons demonstrates the joy he brings to students and staff at EVES. Not only does he excel at keeping our building clean, but what he does for our students and staff is way beyond our expectations. We are blessed to have Mr. Daniel and his service dog Keeta at East View.
2020 DCPS Kids First Customer Service Award
Tammy Styke – Secretary, Highland Elementary School
From Tammy Styke: The Daviess County Public Schools Kids First Customer Service Award could have gone to many employees across the district and I am truly humbled to be the one chosen to receive this award for 2020. To me, customer service is about treating others the way you would want to be treated in every situation. I feel blessed to work with the wonderful students, parents, and staff at Highland Elementary School.
From HES principal Leslie Peveler: Tammy Styke is the epitome of customer service. She is one of the first faces or voices our school community comes in contact with, and provides every person with a warm greeting, a sweet smile and an ‘I can take care of that’ attitude. She does the same for our faculty and staff. We are grateful to have her in our building and we are proud of her for this award. She is so deserving and we celebrate with her.
