Crown Point schools salute top employees
Officials said in a release that Carrie Quinn, art teacher at Crown Point High School, has been named the 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Quinn, who teaches in the same classroom that inspired her teaching dream, leads the art department, sponsors the National Art Honor Society, the junior and sophomore classes, the events committee and Summer Engage.
'Carrie understands that each student brings different talents and interests to her class,' said Principal Russ Marcinek. 'She is an instructional leader and an example of the teaching excellence we value in our district.'
Hannah Rizzo, a special education teacher at Solon Robinson Elementary, is the 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Rizzo teaches in an applied skills setting, serving students with intense needs. She's pursuing a master's in applied behavior analysis from Purdue University and she brings compassion and high expectations to her classroom. 'Hannah is a passionate advocate for inclusive education,' said Melanie Pociask, assistant principal at Solon Robinson.
'She is an exceptional communicator and unrelentingly dedicated to her students and our school community.'
Kristen Maurer, treasurer at Eisenhower Elementary, has been named Employee of the Year.
Eisenhower principal Calli Dado described her as 'the heart of our school's front office,' adding, 'Kristen's positive attitude makes everyone-staff, parents, and students-feel valued and supported. She goes above and beyond, stepping in wherever help is needed, always with a smile.'
The three honorees were selected from a group of finalists.
Employee of the Year Finalists included: Brandee Newell – Media Center, Colonel Wheeler Middle School; Mandy Adams – PBIS paraprofessional, Winfield Elementary.
Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists: Tammy Betz – Colonel Wheeler Middle School; Ryan Voss – Taft Middle School.
Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalists: Jennifer Ciochina – Eisenhower Elementary; Sheridan Moore – Lake Street Elementary; Jennifer Hochstetler – MacArthur Elementary; Kate Chance – Timothy Ball Elementary; Beth Morey – Winfield Elementary and Shira Murzyn – Jerry Ross Elementary.
The winners and finalists will be honored at the May 19 school board meeting.
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