Landis Elementary teacher wins Billman Excellence in Teaching Award
As a bilingual graduate from the Logansport Community School Corporation, Karina Mejia is now giving students opportunities she never had as part of the Dual Language Immersion Program at Landis Elementary.
'We only had languages from our freshman year to senior year and now they can start at a younger age,' Mejia told the Pharos-Tribune in 2022. 'They are becoming more affluent in the language, too.'
For her passion and hard work, the Cass County Community Foundation on Wednesday announced Mejia as the 2025 recipient of the Elizabeth A. Billman Excellence in Teaching Award during the end of school year awards at Landis.
Deanna Crispen, CCCF president & CEO, and Luke Gangloff, CCCF chairman, made the announcement and commended Mejia for her dedication to her students and their families, ability to create an equitable learning environment and her passion for teaching and community.
'Elizabeth Billman was an educator, administrator, mentor and role model for young women and teachers,' Crispen said. 'When we thought about ways to honor her legacy, this award, to encourage teachers early in their careers, was the result and we know Liz would be proud we are continuing her legacy through the award.'
Mejia, who teaches the second-grade Spanish portion of the Dual Language program, was nominated by her assistant principal, Ashley Gangloff.
'Karina forms genuine connections with her students, taking time to understand their backgrounds, their families, and what inspirers them to learn,' Gangloff said in her nomination. 'She creates a warm and welcoming classroom where all students feel valued and supported.'
Mejia just completed her fourth year as an educator at Landis. She is the fifth recipient of the award.
The Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 2021 to honor the long legacy of Billman, who served on the Board of Directors of the Cass County Community Foundation for 16 years, including two terms as chairman of the board of directors and was on the board of directors at the time of her passing.
Billman retired as principal at Thompson Elementary School, now known as Lewis Cass Elementary. She also taught in the Southeastern School Corporation, beginning her teaching career at Washington Township School. She was a member of the Lewis Cass Alumni Association where she received the Distinguished Service Award. In total, she served in the Southeastern School Corporation for 38 years.
Mejia was selected for the award from a pool of nominees — submitted by elementary building principals of kindergarten through sixth grade from all county schools — who most exemplify Billman's commitment to the students.
The award consists of a $500 stipend for the teacher for their classroom and a commemorative plaque. A permanent plaque is on display at the CCCF office to honor each year's recipient.
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