2021 Excellence in Education Celebration May 5, 2021
Presented by
WELCOME Welcome to the 2021 Excellence in Education Celebration! For over a decade, the Excellence in Education Celebration has brought together education, business, and community leaders to honor those across our region going above and beyond. Tonight we honor educators that work to ensure students are prepared for success beyond high school, business leaders stepping up to provide partnership and support when schools need it most, and an impressive group of students from school districts across NKY that are demonstrating excellence not only academically, but thru their leadership and resiliency inside the classroom and beyond. This past year has proven the value of leadership, as both educators and business owners were tasked with developing new approaches and remaining nimble in order to address changing dynamics. Oftentimes, innovation happens in moments of crisis and perhaps our region will be stronger due to the collective power of partnership and support we find each day across Northern Kentucky. As two organizations that recognize and prioritize the important role that business/education partnerships play in successful College and Career Readiness outcomes for students in NKY, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Northern Kentucky Education Council are proudly committed to celebrating regional accomplishments and working alongside partner organizations to continue efforts to build talent and elevate student success. Thank you for joining us in this celebration!
Randy J. Poe, Ed.D Executive Director Northern Kentucky Education Council
Brent Cooper President & CEO NKY Chamber
NKYEC CIRCLE OF CHAMPIONS
TODAY’S EMCEES
Kyle Inskeep joined the Local 12 News team in June 2018. He anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts with Paula Toti. Prior to moving to Cincinnati, Kyle worked as a morning reporter/ fill-in anchor for FOX59 in Indianapolis for three years. While there he covered the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, the 100th running of the Indy 500 and the sentencing of former Subway pitchman Jared Fogle. Born and raised in the Hoosier state, Kyle graduated magna cum laude from Butler University with a degree in Electronic Journalism.
Kyle Inskeep Local 12 News Anchor
Paula Toti joined the Local 12 News team in 1997 as a General Assignment Reporter and weekend anchor. She now anchors Local 12’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts with Kyle Inskeep. Prior to joining WKRC-TV, Paula worked in Columbus, Ohio, Richmond, Va., Cleveland and Green Bay, Wis. Paula was born in New York and raised in California, where she graduated from California State University-Sacramento.
Paula Toti Local 12 News Anchor
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
TOGETHER, WE WILL CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE.
We are developing eager young minds into worldchanging leaders of tomorrow by educating and inspiring generations of students bold enough to tackle the toughest challenges facing our region, country and globe.
NKU is a proud sponsor of the NKY Excellence in Education Celebration.
nku.edu
NKYEC BOARD MEMBERS Durran Alexander, Centennial Talent Strategy Tammy Barth-Oakes, Citi Brett Blackwell, Central Bank & Trust Co. Mike Borchers, Ludlow Independent Schools District, Vice Chair Dan Cahill, PhD, HSD Metrics, Treasurer Joseph Chillo, LP.D, Thomas More University Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber of Commerce Ginni Fair, Northern Kentucky University Fernando Figueroa, PhD, Gateway Community and Technical College, Secretary Mickey Fritz, RW Baird Financial Advisors-The Dempsey Fritz Group Brian Griffin, Caliber Management Group Mike Hammons, Children, Inc. Tara Johnson-Noem, Northern Kentucky Area Development District Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann, Kenton County Fiscal Court Claire Parsons, Adams Law Randy Poe, Ed.D, Northern Kentucky Education Council Robert Prichard, MD, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Amy Razor, NKCES Robert Stafford, Owen County Schools Shannon Starkey-Taylor, Learning Grove Henry Webb, Ed.D, Kenton County School District, Chair Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt, Duke Energy KY
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
Campbell County High School Showing CAMEL PRIDE Sarah Matlock Career & Technical Academic All Star
Ethan Schnee Academic All Star
Nick Little
Golden Apple
We are so proud of your accomplishments!
NKY CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS
Gaby Batshoun, Global Business Solutions Matt Bowen, Fidelity Investments Dan Cahill, HSD Metrics - Board Chair Carri Chandler, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood Karen Cheser, Fort Thomas Schools Dr. Joseph Chillo, Thomas More University Garren Colvin, St. Elizabeth Healthcare - Board Chair Elect Lee Crume, Tri-ED Dustin DiChiara, Chick-fil-A Ross Emerson, STEP CG, LLC Richard Field, Post Glover Dr. Fernando Figueroa, Gateway Community & Technical College Karen Finan, One NKY Alliance Shelly Funke Frommeyer, FFR Wealth Team Michael Hall, CITI Chuck Heilman, J.A.C.C. Ryan Heitkamp, ARMOR USA Paul Hemmer, Paul Hemmer Company John Hengelbrok, Baker Stamping Patrick Hughes, DBL Law Geralyn Isler, Business Benefits Insurance Solutions Brady Jolly, Jolly Enterprises Patrick Keal, Duke Energy Julie Kirkpatrick, meetNKY, Northern Kentucky CVB Priya Klocek, Consultant on the Go Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann, Kenton County Fiscal Court Ken Lewis, New Riff Distilling Jim Lokesak, Skyline Chili Melissa Lutz, Champlin Architecture Laura Lyons, ATech Automotive Tech Alan Majchrzak, DHL Candace McGraw, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Paul Meier, City of Crestview Hills Judge Executive Gary Moore, Boone County Fiscal Court Christopher Owens, Taylor Oswald Jim Parsons, Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL Jason Payne, Republic Bank Judge Executive Steve Pendery, Campbell County Fiscal Court Tom Prewitt, Graydon Billy Santos, Truist Kristen Smitherman-Voltaire, Turner Construction Company
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
NKY CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS
David Spaulding, Turner Construction Company Ray Takigiku, Bexion Pharmaceuticals Pam Thompson, Mariner Wealth Advisors Rich Tiberi, Fifth Third Bank Brian Todd, Clark Schaefer Hackett Dr. Ashish Vaidya, Northern Kentucky University Cathy Waddell, Nucor Steel Gallatin Katrina Ward, Huntington Bank Dr. Henry Webb, Kenton County Schools Caroline Weltzer, Viox & Viox Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt, Duke Energy Wonda Winkler, Brighton Center, Inc Anna Wolf, TiER1 Performance Solutions Amy Wright, ReSettled Life Jay Wuest, PNC Bank
2021 STUDENT WINNERS ACADEMIC ALL-STARS
Kyndall Miller Holmes High School
Kevin Sanders Conner High School
Ethan Schnee Campbell County High School
Katherine Taylor Beechwood High School
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
2021 STUDENT WINNERS AGAINST ALL ODDS
Andrew Borah Holmes High School
Hannah Dargie Ignite Institute
Haylee Faulkner Grant County High School
Brooklyn Rice Newport High School
2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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2021 STUDENT WINNERS CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMIC ALL-STARS
Sarah Matlock Campbell County High School
Amir Rice Holmes High School
Matthew Seiler Newport High School
Xavier Veselovec Ignite Institute
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
2021 STUDENT WINNERS STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Amelia Hendrix Ignite Institute
Julianna Russ Highlands High School
Demitria Watson Conner High School
Kaitlyn Wilson Grant County High School
2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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Supporting excellence and all that it inspires. At Duke Energy, we believe in the power and potential of excellence and achievement in all forms. Here’s to those who inspire us all and enhance our quality of life. As part of our commitment to communities, Duke Energy is proud to support the 2021 Excellence in Education event. DUKE-ENERGY.COM
Lincoln Elementary School
Dayton High School
Congratulations John Baines & Dave Fleischer Thank you for your leadership on the Workforce Investment Board. Your commitment to workforce development policy and innovation in Northern Kentucky has created a foundation for excellence.
SCHOOL LAW - AREAS OF PRACTICE • General Counsel
Kentucky’s Premier Legal Partner
• Litigation • Special Education Issues • State and Federal Regulatory Counseling • Student Discipline • Certified and Classified Employment, Issues, Hearings, Tribunals • Athletic Regulations & Gender Equity in Sports • Transportation Issues
Adams Law, PLLC is committed to excellence in education, and we are a proud sponsor of the Northern Kentucky Education Council. We honor Northern Kentucky’s outstanding educators, students, community partners and business leaders who make this possible. Proud Sponsor of NKEC
• Homelessness Regulations & Compliance • Drafting of Board Policies • Contract Negotiation & Drafting • Superintendent Search Requirements & Processes • School Health Protocols
adamsattorneys.com | 40 W. Pike St., Covington, KY 41011 | 859-394-6200
2021 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS
Bridget Browning Biology and Chemistry Teacher Pendleton County High School (16 years)
Amy Buerger Response to Intervention Math Teacher Walton-Verona Middle School (30 years)
Justin Cann Science Teacher Ignite Institute (13 years)
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
2021 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS
Deron Hitch 7th Grade Math Teacher Campbell County Middle School (12 years)
Amanda King Libarary Media Specialist Sharp Middle School & Pendelton County High School (13 years)
Nick Little Band Teacher & Band Director Campbell County High School (17 years)
2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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2021 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS
Kate Preyss 7th Grade Special Education Teacher Grant County Middle School (17 years)
Elsheika Thompson 8th and 9th Grade Teacher Beechwood High School (7 years)
Kendra Abner Music Teacher and Band Director Southgate Independent (21 years)
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
2021 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS
Caitlynn Baker 1st Grade Teacher Grant’s Lick Elementary School (12 years)
Aubrey Cahill Special Education Teacher Mary A. Goetz Elementary School (13 years)
Cora Dill 3rd Grade Teacher Ruth Moyer Elementary School (27 years)
2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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2021 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS
Sarah Foltz 1st Grade Teacher Erpenbeck Elementary School (13 years)
Melia Fox 4th Grade Teacher Ninth District Elementary School (13 years)
Matt Gessner Physical Education Teacher Woodfill Elementary School (19 years)
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
2021 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS
Nicole Gilbert English Language Arts Teacher Donald E. Cline Elementary School (19 years)
Elizabeth Helton Early Childhood Education Teacher Learning Grove (21 years)
Georgana Richman 2nd Grade Teacher Kenton Elementary School (20 years)
2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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2021 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS
Brittney Sanderson 5th Grade Teacher Northpointe Elementary School (12 years)
Courtney Sauerbeck 3rd Grade Teacher John W. Reiley Elementary School (8 years)
Brenda Sceifres 4th Grade Language Arts Teacher Lincoln Elementary School (14 years)
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
2021 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS
Katie Scheper Lead Preschool Teacher Ft. Wright Elementary School (10 years)
The Thomas More community thanks all the outstanding educators, students, community partners, and business leaders supporting excellence in education in our region.
859.341.5800 | thomasmore.edu @ThomasMoreKY 2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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2021 ST. ELIZABETH HEALTHCARE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Elizabeth Acuff, Villa Madonna Academy Grace Bezold, Holy Cross District High School Morgan Burkhardt, Bishop Brossart High School Richard Block, South Ripley High School Taylor Chapman, Conner Senior High School McKenzie Crowder, St. Henry District High School Aubrey Dance, Simon Kenton High School Kai Ellison, Scott High School Mary Gamm, Walton Verona High School Samantha Heiert, Lawrenceburg High School Macie Jones, Grant County High School Carmen Kramer, Bishop Brossart High School Rachel Kuntz, Batesville High School Jack McMillen, Ludlow High School Corina Mills, Highland Heights High School Kathryn Nachazel, Simon Kenton High School Mary Ann Nerswick, Notre Dame Academy Brooklyn Rice, Newport High School Abigail Ridener, Walton Verona High School Jackson Sands, Conner Senior High School Natalie Schuh, Notre Dame Academy Walker Smallwood, Dixie Heights High School Karlie Stiles, Grant County High School Abigail True, Ryle High School Lillian Weber, Walton Verona High School
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2021 EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AWARDS
Marilynn Arnold Family Resource Coordinator Ninth District Elementary School
Jill Buckalew Cafeteria Manager Ryle High School
Jordan Scheid Special Education Para Educator Thornwilde Elementary School
2021 STUDENT SERVICES AWARDS
Melissa Cross Family Resource Youth Service Coordinator Simon Kenton High School
Gary Huhn Instructional Support Staff Holmes High Shool
Marianne Smith Family Resource Center Director Dry Ridge Elementary School
2021 A.D. ALBRIGHT TEACHER OF THE YEAR Georgana Richman Kenton Elementary School The A.D. Albright Outstanding Teacher of the Year award is given to the highest scoring Golden Apple Nominee. This year’s winner of the A.D. Albright Outstanding Teacher of the Year is Georgana Richman from Kenton Elementary School, Kenton County School District. Her nominator said, “Mrs. Richman is very dedicated to making sure all her students reach their academic goals. She builds strong relationships with her students and their families. When I walk into her classroom, I hear her saying things like “don’t give up” and “you can do it.” She exemplifies excellence in education through her hard work.”
2021 A.D. ALBRIGHT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR Dr. Shelli Wilson Campbell County Schools This year, the A.D. Albright Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award is presented to Dr. Shelli Wilson, Associate Superintendent for Campbell County Schools. Dr. Wilson has served as an educator for 27 years. She is a visionary who solves problems creatively as she seamlessly partners with community stakeholders and other educators across the region. She served as a Northern Kentucky Education Council Action Team Co-Chair for over 10 years and worked to spread the impact of “whole child” learning. Under her leadership, the regional Resiliency Poll was developed, and to this day, she continues to promote this work as an important tool to gauge student well-being. Dr. Wilson does whatever it takes for her students, her schools, and the community at large. PAGE 30
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
2021 BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS C-Forward, Inc. Accepted by: Brian Ruschman, President “Pay it forward” has been an integral part of C-Forward’s mission since the company was founded in 1999. They began a partnership with James E. Biggs and John G. Carlisle schools over 15 years ago. Through the Adopt-A-Class program, employees host a picnic with the students at Carlisle every spring and during the Christmas holiday, they bring books and toys to students. For the children at James E. Biggs, team members purchase coats, gloves, and clothing items and they bring decorated Christmas trees to the school. In addition, C-Forward has been a long-standing sponsor and supporter of numerous education organizations and initiatives in Northern Kentucky. Team members also volunteer to serve on the boards of Gateway Community and Technical College, Covington Partners, the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, Thomas More University Alumni, NKU’s Graduate Education Advisory Board, and many others.
United Way of Greater Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Area Center Accepted by: Amanda Greenwell, Director United Way of Greater Cincinnati has a longstanding history of providing relief for families in crisis, supporting families as they establish stronger foundations, and revitalizing systems of support for long-term economic resiliency. When the pandemic hit in 2020, schools, students, and families faced numerous challenges including the need for reliable internet access. United Way’s Northern Kentucky Area Center recognized this need and stepped in to help families in need. An Action Team was formed, and they moved quickly to develop a game changing partnership with Cincinnati Bell, closing the digital divide for thousands of students in Northern Kentucky. This program would not have been possible without the support of Horizon Community Fund, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, RC Durr Foundation, The Butler Foundation, Atkins & Pearce, Inc., Perfetti Van Melle, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Kroger, The Cincinnati Bengals, and Cincinnati Bell. 2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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Congratulations Jordan Scheid
Excellence in Education Extraordinary Service Award Honoree You are a positive influence on students, staff and families every day at Thornwilde Elementary. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the Wildcat community! We are so proud of you! Best Wishes, The Special Education Team
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ROBERT J. STORER BUSINESS-EDUCATION CHAMPION AWARD John Baines Insight Partners Over the last few years, John Baines with Insight Partners has volunteered thousands of hours supporting the work of GROW NKY Pillar 2 – College and Career Readiness. As the former president of Hahn Automation, he has helped the collective of GROW NKY partners, college and career counselors, and community organizations better understand the advanced manufacturing industry and how to support students interested in this career pathway. Leading a regional goal to increase the number of students participating in work-based learning experiences, he has played a critical role in developing a platform that provides a central hub for work-based learning opportunities for high school students to engage with businesses in high-demand industries. This platform, known as MyCareerE3, was launched in 2021 and will be a gamechanger for students and the Northern Kentucky workforce ecosystem. Mr. Baines has been committed to workforce development and education throughout his career and his work will have a lasting impact on thousands of students in Northern Kentucky and across the state.
David Fleischer Retired During his 29 years at Toyota, David Fleischer was a passionate advocate for education. He was instrumental in the donation of the former Toyota Quality and Production Engineering Lab to Boone County Schools and in the creation of the Ignite Institute. In 2018, Mr. Fleischer took on the role of Executive Director of Ignite, where he served as the liaison between education and business partners. Mr. Fleischer also stepped in to serve as director of NaviGo College and Career Prep. In addition, Mr. Fleischer has been a devoted member of the Workforce Investment Board in Northern Kentucky for many years and has served on the Brighton Center’s board of directors. Mr. Fleischer has brought a unique perspective and focus to the need for collaboration between education and business and has worked tirelessly to build meaningful partnerships that will support student success for years to come.
2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent Ft. Thomas Independent Schools Over the last 30 years, Dr. Karen Cheser has served as a teacher, coach, literacy and math specialist, principal, Distinguished Educator, director of curriculum, chief academic officer, and deputy superintendent before becoming Superintendent of Fort Thomas Independent Schools in 2017. She has been instrumental in bringing innovation and a focus to future workforce in Northern Kentucky through projects such as the NKY MakerSpace, Ignite Institute, Launch at 20 Grand, LEGO League Robotics, and the NKY Entrepreneurship Council. Dr. Cheser served as co-chair of the Northern Kentucky Education Council’s College and Career Readiness Coalition for 10 years, and with the launch of GROW NKY stepped up to drive regional College & Career Readiness collaboration as the lead for GROW NKY Pillar 2 on behalf of the NKY Cooperative for Educational Services. She also serves on the Northern Kentucky Chamber Executive Committee. Jack Moreland Retired Jack Moreland is one of Kentucky’s most distinguished educators and leaders. Over the last 11 years, he has served as president of Southbank Partners, the community and economic development organization for Northern Kentucky’s river cities. Prior to Southbank, Mr. Moreland dedicated 38 years of his career to education, including 19 years as superintendent of Dayton Independent Schools, eight years as superintendent of Covington Independent Public Schools, one year as interim president of Northern Kentucky University, and one year as interim chancellor of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Mr. Moreland began his education career as a science teacher at Dayton High School. Thank you, Mr. Moreland, for making a difference in the lives of students in Northern Kentucky and across the state and for all you have done to support community and economic growth and development.
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Tammy Weidinger Retired Tammy Weidinger has served families in Northern Kentucky for nearly 40 years and has worked tirelessly to change the landscape of the community. She started her career in social work at Brighton Center in 1981 and has dedicated her entire career to ensuring that their mission - to create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment, and leadership – become a reality. In addition to her prior duties as CEO of the Brighton Center, Mrs. Weidinger also has dedicated her time to giving back by serving on multiple boards including the Kentucky Housing Corporation, the Health Collaborative, Every Child Succeeds, Northern Kentucky Regional Mental Health Council Corrections Board, and the Northern Kentucky Education Council. She also devotes much time to serving on committees and co-chaired the Advancing the Big Picture Coalition for the Education Council.
2021 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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Congratulations, Liz Helton!
Congratulations to
John Baines
Chair, Gateway Board of Directors and
David Fleischer
Gateway Foundation Board Member for being honored as
Robert J. Storer Business/Education Champions
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