Previous Recipients of the Excellence in Teaching: Mentorship Award
Rachel Kizer (2007)
For inspiring students to excel in science, for making school fun, for making science entertaining and involving and for being a phenomenal teacher who takes education beyond all known limits, Rachel Kizer was recently awarded the Mentorship Award for Excellence in Teaching by the South Whidbey Schools Foundation.
Tom Kramer, social studies teacher and tennis coach at South Whidbey High School, was awarded the 2006 Mentorship Award for Excellence in Teaching by the South Whidbey Schools Foundation. Kramer was nominated for the award by seven graduating seniors and senior Janelle Iversen assisted SWSF President Dave Haworth in making the presentation at the High School Awards Ceremony.
Jenny Gochanour (2005)
Jenny Gochanour, Spanish teacher at South Whidbey High School, was awarded the 2005 Mentorship Award for Excellence in Teaching by the South Whidbey Schools Foundation. This award is based on nominations made by members of the graduating class of teachers in the South Whidbey School District who have contributed the most to their success. Jenny was nominated for the award by Jennifer Gaveling.
Paula Ludtke (2004)
Paula Ludtke, a vocal instructor and English teacher at South Whidbey High School received the 2004 Endowment for Excellence in Teaching Mentorship Award. The award was established by Steve Shapiro, MD, and his wife, Debora Valis, for students in the community to acknowledge and honor the leadership, mentorship and inspiration of specific teachers who have unlocked the doors to the future for their children.
In nominating Ludtke, senior Jessica Eggland noted that when she came to South Whidbey two years ago, Ludtke accepted her into the choir class with open arms. Eggland said that Ludtke has a unique way of disciplining students with respect, has an extraordinary ability to care for others and always encourages students to become better people.
Ludtke has taught for 21 years and "still looks forward to each September" to her new students. She is the mother of four, and along with her husband Rick, is a member of Sing!cronicity.
Scott Mauk (2003)
Scott Mauk, Bayview High School teacher, was presented the third annual Endowment for Excellence in Teaching Mentorship Award of the South Whidbey Schools Foundation at the Bayview High School Awards Barbeque.
Mauk teaches history at Bayview. In nominating him, senior Janelle Petanovich noted that although when she came to Bayview she didn't care about school, Mauk has a unique way of teaching which captivates and draws her in. He has made her want to learn even more and to be a better student. Mauk received a degree in anthropology from Santa Clara University and a Masters in Teaching from Evergreen College. He came to the South Whidbey Schools in 1996 and previously taught at the Alternative School on Bainbridge Island. He and his wife Anne have two sons and live on an organic farm in Freeland.
2008 Recipient of the Excellence
in Teaching: Mentorship Award
Gene Koffkin (2008)
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Gene has been an inspiration to students for many years at South Whidbey High School with his hard work, dedication and creative skills. His commitment to the skills to help students prepare for life beyond high school is keenly appreciated. He has spent many years preparing beautiful yearbooks simply by going the "extra mile".
This award is based on nominations made by members of the graduating class of teachers in the South Whidbey School District who have contributed the most to their success.
The award is funded from an endowment established by Steve Shapiro and Debora Valis to honor South Whidbey teachers for their dedication to and influence on our students and from donations from the community. The award includes a $500 cash gift.
INTRODUCING:
The Steve Durbin English & Literature Award
South Whidbey High School English teacher Steve Durbin was awarded the second annual Mentorship Award in 2002 in recognition of his role as a mentor to students.
Prior to Durbin's surprise award, senior Megan Kelly spoke about her personal experience with Durbin as her teacher. "He is a teacher who has been a positive role model to a number of students over the years in school and outside of school," Kelly said. "When I became sick, this teacher put in his personal time to help me complete my final project. He encouraged me to put my health first while helping me complete classes."