A Southern York County’s dynamic teaching couple have both been individually nominated for the Shippensburg Outstanding Teacher Award Program.
For each school year, Shippensburg University hosts the Outstanding Teacher Award program. Each participating school district nominates two teachers from any of their schools, who will then go to an award luncheon during American Education Week. Shippenburg’s Superintendent Study Council describes the award as one which “recognizes the accomplishments of exemplary educators who serve our region’s students and schools.”
Receiving the Shippensburg Outstanding Teacher Award this year for Southern York County School District was both Susquehannock high school math and technology education teacher JC Lewis and friendship elementary school kindergarten teacher Allison Lewis.
“Receiving the award is very flattering,” JC Lewis said. “It’s a really unique situation for us to not only receive the recognition but do so at the same time.”
An email from superintendent Robert Bryson stated that “This year’s recipients of this valued recognition, not only support our District through their outstanding service to all within their areas of instruction, influence and care, but sustain and encourage each other, through their special bond as spouses.”
“It was a complete surprise,” JC Lewis said. “Doctor Sterner called me into his office during late summer for paperwork in regards to the award. They do two every year from our school district, and I found out that Friday, and my wife came home that Monday with the same news.”
“Dr. Winemiller had shared the news with me prior to Dr. Bryson’s email, and I was appreciative of her kind words and continued support,” Allison Lewis said. “It has been an honor to receive this award on behalf of Friendship Elementary. There are a lot of teachers that work so hard each and every day to provide a welcoming environment and high-quality education instruction for their students, so to be recognized with this is truly special.”
JC Lewis and Allison Lewis will travel on Nov. 13 with building administrators, as well as Susquehannock and Friendships principals’ James Sterner and Stephanie Winemiller, to Shippensburg University campus to receive these awards.
“I am so proud to have Mr. Lewis on our staff,” Sterner said. “His ‘go-getter’ approach and always positive demeanor have created so many awesome opportunities to grow our students and school program. I’m excited to celebrate with him and all our great SHS teachers through this program.”