Media Center Specialist will represent Heights at state competition this fall
Hamilton Heights School Corporation has announced that Lori Hippensteel has been selected as Teacher of the Year.
Hippensteel, who is the Media Center Specialist at Hamilton Heights High School, was among four outstanding professionals from the district nominated as the top pick for their building for this year’s recognition. She will represent Hamilton Heights at the state Teacher of the Year competition in Indianapolis in the fall.
In addition to Hippensteel, this year’s building level nominees included Jody Diller (HHES) and John Walsh (HHMS). Honorees for the Building Level Support Staff of the Year were Tasha Smith (HHES), Sophia Wright (HHMS), and Heather Fettig (HHHS). Hippensteel was announced as the winner at the district’s annual End of the Year Staff Breakfast.
“I felt humbled and honored,” Hippensteel said. “Hamilton Heights has many deserving staff members, and to be added to the same conversation as past, current, and future winners was a true honor. I want to represent Hamilton Heights and the education profession in a humble and respectful manner. I would like others to see how so many educators pour their hearts and souls into their jobs and, most importantly, how much we love the students.”
Hippensteel, who begins her 18th year as the high school Media Center Specialist this fall, took a personal love and turned it into a career.
“I am grateful to work for Hamilton Heights in the high school Media Center,” Hippensteel said. “I believe the Media Center should be the heart of the school and is there to serve the students, staff, and community’s needs. Being the Media Specialist allows me to build a relationship with every student and staff member in the building by being accessible, a servant, and providing a safe and inclusive space for all.”
Hippensteel, who is the Student Government and Honor Society Faculty sponsor, is also a volunteer with many other activities and initiatives on and off campus, including the Ryan White Fest, Riley Dance Marathon, Unified Flag Football and Track and Field volunteer, Meals on Wheels, Youth Camps, and 4-H to name just a few.
“The best part of my work is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the students, staff and community and the chance to make everyone’s day a little better,” she added.
“Lori is one of our most engaged and impactful educators,” HHHS Principal Jarrod Mason said. “Lori is innovative, creative, passionate, thoughtful, and deeply connected with her students. Everything she does she does with heart, intent, and in support of our students and staff. She is a highly respected, valued, and effective resource who has made countless contributions during her storied tenure at Heights.”
Congratulations Lori!