Congratulations Mrs. Kash
Kathy Kash, Smith Elementary teacher, is the recipient of the 2022 Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award.
Kash was surprised with the award at an assembly in the Smith gymnasium May 26. Bev Parker, the founder of the award, Superintendent Dr. Kyle Ramey and members of Kash's family were on hand to honor the long-time educator.
The Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award is given annually to an Oakwood Schools’ teacher who has taught in the district for more than five years and is known for their enthusiasm, empowerment and infectious curiosity in the classroom. Kash is the 12th winner of the award, which Bev Parker founded in 2010 in honor of her late husband, Bob Parker
In addition to the surprise ceremony recognizing the teacher, the award comes with a cash prize for the teacher and their school, a custom art piece created by an Oakwood High School student, and this year, a yoga mat to recognize Mrs. Kash's love of yoga. The Parker Award is supported by the work of The Oakwood Schools Foundation. For more information about The Oakwood Schools Foundation, visit their website at oakwoodschoolsfoundation.org.
Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award
Saying her family benefited in many ways from Oakwood’s outstanding school system and wanting to give back to the schools in a special way, former longtime Oakwood teacher Beverly Parker created the award in 2010 in memory of her late husband Robert Parker.
Parents, students, community members, alumni, other faculty members and administrators can nominate teachers who meet the award criteria, which includes teaching in Oakwood Schools for at least five years. Nominations and letters of support are retained for one year. If a candidate is not selected as the winner, the nominator may simply submit the current nomination form and the candidate will be reconsidered.
The award consists of a $1,200 prize, which is divided between the recipient and an academic department,
grade or program of the recipient’s choosing.