Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
Erika Beaman, a dedicated fourth-grade Instructional Assistant at Hamilton Heights Elementary School, has been named the Husky Hero for April.
In just a few short years, Beaman has built meaningful connections with her students, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. With her calm demeanor, great sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to student success, Beaman goes above and beyond to help her students thrive both academically and socially.
Here’s what some of the nominators had to say about Beaman:
Miranda Wagner: “Erika goes about and beyond for her students. She never stops thinking of ways to be supportive. She is someone who will give up her lunch break to sit and listen to a student who is struggling. Erika has been known to lay on the cold, wet ground with a struggling student because they needed to be met where they were. Erika stepped up when I went into labor early and there wasn’t a maternity sub in place at that time. She never missed a beat, and the students were able to have a sense of normalcy. Erika truly makes a difference in our community. Past students and parents still look to Erika because she builds relationships and is genuinely invested in her students.”
Maryn Morris: “Erika has stepped up in a major way for her students. She is an IA in our resource department and her lead teacher went on maternity leave much earlier than expected. Erika didn’t miss a beat and kept up with every student’s needs while the school tried to find a sub for Mrs. Wagner. Mrs. Beaman actually works with my son daily. So, I can speak from experience what a difference she has made!”
Brittany Jones: “She always goes above and beyond to help the special ed team at the elementary school. She really stepped up while Mrs. Wagner was on maternity leave. My son Ian does not do well with change in his schedule, but Mrs. Beaman has been there to help the last few weeks and throughout the year. We could not have gotten through the last few years of elementary school without her.”
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“Being selected as a Husky Hero means so much to me,” Beaman said. “I’ve never won an award before, so this recognition feels incredibly special. I’m truly honored to be acknowledged for my hard work and dedication to our students. It’s a privilege to work in a place where staff are genuinely seen and appreciated.”
For Beaman, her job has brought a deep sense of purpose to her life.
“I was a bit of a lost soul in school myself, but I had some incredible teachers who made me feel loved and seen,” she recalled. “I carry that with me every day and strive to leave that same lasting impact on every student I meet. One of the most meaningful parts of this work is the lasting relationships I get to build. I often see former students who rush over to give me a hug and share updates about their lives. Those moments are reminders of the connection and trust we’ve built – and that means everything to me.”
Beaman added, “This award will have a lasting impact. There are times when you wonder, ‘Am I really making a difference?’ This recognition quiets those doubts and reassures me that I am. I’m incredibly grateful to be seen, and to know I’m making a difference in the lives around me.”
Do you know a Husky Hero? Nomination forms and information about this special recognition program for Hamilton Heights employees are available at bit.ly/hhschuskyhero. The Husky Hero Recognition program is made possible through the Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation in partnership with Craig and Amber Bowen (FC Tucker). #hhedfoundation