Contact: Mychael Dickerson Henrico County Public Schools Phone 804-652-3724 Fax 804-652-3795 Email: dmdickerson@henrico.k12.va.us
News Release Top Henrico teachers honored with Gilman Award, principal named Instructional Leader of the Year Henrico, Va., September 9, 2009 – Five Henrico County Public Schools educators were named the 2009 Gilman Award winners during convocation meetings held last week. Katrise Perera, principal of Elko Middle School, was named the 2009 Instructional Leader of the Year. The Gilman Award honorees are Paula Brown, English teacher at Freeman High School; Ryan Conway, social studies teacher at Short Pump Middle School; Wilhelmina Greene, school counselor at Baker Elementary School; Michael Hasley, former instructional technology resource teacher at Henrico High and current secondary social studies specialist at Central Office; and Amy Powroznik, art teacher at Lakeside Elementary. The prestigious Gilman Awards began in 1983 based on a stage character, Francis Gilman, from the play “Some Day Just Begun.” The character’s love of teaching led into the development of the award. Criteria for the Gilman award includes five years of service in Henrico schools along with an established instructional reputation, outstanding performance, innovative leadership and consistent, active service in the life of the school. Winners must also have an exemplary professional lifestyle characterized by specific contributions toward improving the educational profession. Award winners are nominated and supported by three professional colleagues and the school’s principal. A committee then chooses the winners from a pool of qualified applicants. The esteemed Instructional Leader of the Year Award goes to a leader who is nominated by staff members based on five criteria: service and people skills; performance results; supervision and support; management skills; and public engagement. A committee of instructional directors and assistant superintendents reviews the staff member nominations and selects a winner. "I'm blessed to be afforded the opportunity and privilege to work with a phenomenal group of educators," says Principal Katrise Perera, the 2009 Instructional Leader of the Year. "It's an awesome feeling to be lifted so high by their efforts. I felt a lot of pride and joy for the efforts that were made by all of the educational stakeholders here at Elko. As I take time to reflect, I am paying more attention to the achievements of others and how to highlight them as well. I try to focus on three things: walking the walk, talking the talk, and being a caddy. I truly see myself as a caddy with great golfers; I carry the bag, but I also give a little advice on the shot and club selection to the teachers who provide the necessary tools for our students."