Westfield counselor selected School on Wheels Education Champion

(From left) School on Wheels Founder and CEO Sally Bindley, 2019 Education Champion Brian Sawa, Washington Woods English language teacher and Brian’s wife, Jennifer Sawa and School of Wheels Vice President of Programs Kelly Coker. (Photo provided)

Since 2013, School on Wheels has honored an Education Champion who devotes their time, expertise and focus to supporting Indiana youth and championing education. Individuals from across Indiana are nominated and these nominees are narrowed down by a panel of educators and youth workers to select the winner.

School on Wheels’ 2019 Education Champion is Brian Sawa, the School Counselor at Washington Woods Elementary in Westfield. Along with this award recognizing his positive impact on the students he serves, Washington Woods will receive a $1,000 cash award that will benefit the youth with whom he works.

Sawa was presented this honor during School on Wheels’ 2019 Education Celebration on April 18. Other honors presented were Corporate Partner of the Year: TCC, Tutoring Team of the Year: RSM US LLP, Philanthropists of the Year: Glick Philanthropies, and Tutor of the Year: Rock Alberts. The event was emceed by Brad Brown of RTV6. Dr. Matthew Morton, a Research Fellow at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago and Principal Investigator for Voices of Youth Count, was the guest speaker.

The annual Education Celebration honors individuals who help transform lives through education and raises funds to support School on Wheels’ tutoring and wraparound academic programs for Indianapolis children and families impacted by homelessness.

About Brian Sawa

As the School Counselor at Washington Woods Elementary School, Brian is responsible for coordinating programs to ensure the social-emotional health of the students. In addition to working one-on-one with students and providing group counseling, Brian also oversees school-wide initiatives such as Leader In Me, clothing and food drives, professional development for staff and connections with community partners.

About School on Wheels

Founded in 2001, School on Wheels believes that all children, regardless of socio-economic status or housing situation, deserve access to the same educational opportunities. School on Wheels provide one-on-one tutoring and wraparound academic support for children and families impacted by homeless in Indianapolis. To learn more about School on Wheels, donate or volunteer, please visit indyschoolonwheels.org or call 317-202-9100.

Nominations for the 2020 Education Champion will open in November 2019.