Bo Cotton Award Honorees

A true professional is every sense of the word, Isabelle Milne is a natural teacher and an outstanding leader. With passion, zeal, and a joyful spirit, Isabelle consistently demonstrates her mastery of her craft through her ability to make learning relevant, fun, and meaningful to her students. A model teacher and an extremely kind and thoughtful person, Isabelle serves as a shining example of excellent teaching in action. Her engagement of students both inside and outside of the classroom is worthy of praise, and her ability to help each child find the joy in learning is a true gift.

A skilled educator and master teacher, Mrs. Milne artfully uses her gifts of empathy, patience, intellect, and understanding to educate the hearts and minds of RPDS students. For 17 years, she has lovingly guided students to think deeply about ideas, concepts, and perspectives. Her desire to help each child develop his or her passion is just one of her many defining characteristics. It’s evident to all who know and teach alongside Isabelle that she teaches from the heart with love and grace.

Isabelle has an amazing sense of humor and a wonderful way with people. Her welcoming personality and joyful disposition permeate the learning environment, uplifting all those she encounters. She is extremely supportive of her colleagues, always asking what she can do to be of assistance to enrich the learning environment and all around RPDS experience.

Nurturing and empathetic, Isabelle loves her students unconditionally, cares deeply about their personal lives, and supports their social and emotional well-being. She has the natural ability to meet all children where they are and lovingly embrace their uniqueness. Her treasured routines serve as a comfort to her students, providing them with the tools and skills necessary to build the foundations for future lifelong learning.

2021 Bo Cotton Award Honoree

Gabe Clark

Teacher, coach, and mentor, Coach Gabe Clark is a gifted educator and charismatic leader. He is fun, full of energy and has a captivating sense of humor. In the gym and on the sports field, Coach Clark teaches with clarity and a sense of purpose. His instruction and coaching reflect his enthusiasm and passion for physical education, athletics, and wellness. With a strong moral compass, Coach Clark guides students to make wise ethical choices that will serve them well now and far into the future. Coach Clark values teamwork, persistence, and honesty and works to instill these ideals into the hearts and minds of RPDS students and athletes. With high expectations for each of his students, Coach Clark consistently challenges them to realize their full potential and encourages them to step outside their comfort zone and reach their personal best. Coach Clark outwardly reveals his delight when students find success or even achieve the smallest of feats. Coach Clark is truly a team player, and his contributions to the RPDS community extend well beyond the Rice Sports Zone. From helping to manage arrival and dismissal to assisting with the building of the Flying Chapel stage, Coach Clark is always there to lend a helping hand. A true leader and devoted member of the community, Coach Clark seeks ways to support others and the school. He is great at anticipating the needs of others and going above and beyond to support colleagues, parents, and especially his students.

Coach Clark is a key member of our 6th grade Project LEADS team and actively shares his strong faith and guiding principles with our students. His example, set forth in the way he lives his life daily, makes a lasting impression on his students as they leave Riverside and embark on the next chapter of their educational journeys. Coach Clark teaches life lessons that create lasting friendships as his students grow and transition into adulthood, keeping them grounded and often bringing them back “home” to RPDS for a visit.