Do you know someone in our community who routinely surpasses the expectations of their job to ensure that students in our public schools have the best possible educational experience? If so, consider nominating them for a prestigious 2016 Dawbarn Education Award.
Ten Dawbarn Education Award winners will be selected, and the individuals honored will each receive a cash award of $10,000. Winners will be announced in November.
In 1992, H. Dunlop “Buz” Dawbarn established the Dawbarn Education Awards to improve education by providing cash awards to individuals who have an outstanding influence on young people in the public schools of Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County. Along with exceptional teachers, past recipients include guidance counselors, coaches, secretaries, administrators, custodians, volunteers, bus drivers, mentors, parents, and community leaders.
Mr. Dawbarn was also concerned about teen pregnancy and its correlation to success in school. Therefore, the Foundation is also seeking nominees who have gone above and beyond to encourage young women to remain in school and complete their education.
“Mr. Dawbarn created an amazing opportunity for our community to shine the spotlight on excellence in local education. It is our honor to continue his legacy by presenting these awards each year to individuals who are often not rewarded for the life-changing role they have played in students’ lives,” says Dan Layman, CEO of the Community Foundation.
Last year’s winners were asked to reflect on what winning the award has meant to them.
“I feel so blessed to have received the Dawbarn Education Award,” noted Shannon Love, a third grade teacher at McSwain Elementary School in Staunton. “I was honored just to be nominated in the first place, let alone win! I love that each year we have an opportunity to see the positive impact so many people strive to have on children in our community each and every day.”
According to Emily Lassiter, area YoungLives Director, “Receiving the Dawbarn Education Award was a tremendous honor that showed me that our often unnoticed work is recognized and valued by our community. “
Iris Carter, an Instructional Aide at Waynesboro High School, summed up the importance of these awards. “Receiving the Dawbarn Education Award is a validation for all the hard work I have done for the children in my community at large. I have now become a part of the Dawbarn family which is well-respected in the area of education and, therefore, I feel respected also. “
Now in its 23rd year, the Dawbarn Education Awards program has given back more than $1,000,000 to members of the education community in the Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County school systems.
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge will accept nominations for the 23rd annual Dawbarn Education Awards through September 1, 2016. Nominations may be submitted by anyone in the community using the online form available through the Community Foundation’s website at www.communityfoundationCBR.org. For additional information, please contact the Community Foundation at (540) 213-2150 or [email protected].
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge enriches the quality of life by responding to needs and inspiring philanthropy in our community. The Foundation serves the communities of Staunton and Waynesboro, as well as Augusta, Nelson and Highland counties. As one of the largest philanthropic institutions in the Central Blue Ridge, the Foundation is committed to careful stewardship of and thoughtful investment in our region’s future.
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Chris Graham
