News Release: 2017 Kenai BP Teachers of Excellence

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2017 Kenai BP Teachers of Excellence

Soldotna, May 2, 2017—KPBSD celebrates Stephanie Cronin, 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year, our five BP Teachers of Excellence, and new this year, the BP Educational Ally award recipient.
This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential. Mrs. Cronin is definitely one of our finest teachers who has transformed math instruction at Seward High School. She makes a positive difference every day and is an unforgettable influence on her students. This award is very well deserved.”
Kodiak, Alaska
2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year Stephanie Cronin teaches math and engineering at Seward High School. She has spent all 20 years of her teaching career in Alaska. Described by colleagues, she is a “legendary teacher in the district and state, who continues to impact many lives through the ability to engage students, and is consistently working to strengthen the district and enrich the working lives of colleagues.”
2017 Kenai BP Teachers of Excellence

  • Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School, Read Stephanie Cronin’s story here.
  • Jonathan Dillon teaches music in kindergarten through fifth grade at Mountain View Elementary School in Kenai. He has been a teacher for five years, all five of which have been in Alaska. Read Jonathan Dillon’s story here.
  • Barbara “Bobbi” Larrivee teaches special education at West Homer Elementary, grades 3-6. The subjects she teaches are all academics, plus life and social skills. She’s been a teacher for 21 years, 18 of which have been in Alaska. Read Bobbi Larrivee’s story here.
  • Meredith McCullough is a teacher at Kenai Central High School. She teaches 11th grade English and honors English, and French two, three and four. She’s been a teacher for eight years, five in Alaska. Read Meredith McCullough’s story here.
  • Colby Way is one of two teachers at Port Graham School in a community of fewer than 200 people across Kachemak Bay, near Seldovia. He teaches all subjects to a wide range of ages, grades five through 12. He’s been a teacher for six years, five of which have been in Alaska. Read Colby Way’s story here.

BP Educational Ally Award, 2017 Kenai Peninsula
The award recognizes the additional unsung heroes in our schools—support staff, administration or volunteers—who are working alongside teachers to inspire students and are making a difference in our schools and community.
Karl Kircher, Mountain View Elementary principal, “It is an honor to receive the BP Educational Ally in the School Community Award. The words ally and community really made this special for me. I’ve always considered my job as principal to be a supporting role to help create a community where teachers are inspired to excel by each other and by their students.” Read Karl Kircher’s story here.
The 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year receives a $1,500 scholarship to be used towards continuing education and an award sculpture. The five Kenai BP Teachers of Excellence, selected from 45 nominations, receive $500, and an additional $500 grant will go towards a program at their school.
Plus, BP will pay the tuition for all winners to enroll in the Alaska Resource Education Rock and Roll course, learning fun, hands-on activities they can take back to the classroom. As part of that graduate-level course, BP will host a group of winners on a one-day tour of the North Slope in August. “BP is proud to honor these great teachers and their tireless work in the classroom,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “We see it as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our people live and work – and an investment in the people who help make Alaska great.”
Learn more Click the individual awardee name to read a specific story, or click the school name for the school website

View photos of the BP Teachers of Excellence celebration