On Tuesday, March 22, The Lubbock Christian University School of Education and The Knowledge Center, Inc. recognized six Distinguished Educators of Lubbock County and awarded two educators the Lubbock Christian Award for Excellence in Teaching.

For the 2015-2016 academic year, Ollie Hart and Donna Hillstrom were awarded the honor for excellence in teaching.

Ollie Hart has taught for seven years in Plainview and Abernathy ISDs. She is currently teaching 4th grade science and social studies at Abernathy Elementary School. “Mrs. Hart develops strong personal relationships with each of her students.  She challenges her students to set personal and academic goals for themselves and holds them accountable to obtain them,” said Lela Taubert, principal.

Donna Hillstrom has a total of 15 years teaching experience in Lubbock Cooper ISD. She currently teaches 8th grade at Lubbock-Cooper Middle School. “Mrs. Hillstrom has the quality that all great teachers most strive for: the ability to make every student feel good about themselves. She creates an incredible learning environment in her classroom where students feel respected,” said Tami Gunset, principal.

Each superintendent from the Lubbock County districts was also invited to nominate one outstanding teacher to represent their district. The 2015-2016 Distinguished Educators of Lubbock County and award nominees were

  • Ollie Hart of Abernathy ISD,
  • Sandra Jimenez of Frenship ISD,
  • Rhonda Tue of Lubbock ISD,
  • Donna Hillstrom* of Lubbock-Cooper ISD,
  • Krystal Moyers of Shallowater ISD, and
  • Keith Creager of Slaton ISD.

Each nominee received an engraved brass teacher hand bell and $100. Recipients of the Lubbock Christian Award for Excellence in Teaching also received an award of $1,000.

The Lubbock Christian University Award for Excellence in Teaching was first introduced in 2014 as a means to recognize and honor truly outstanding public school teachers from local school districts. The award is presented annually to remarkable educators as recognition for their diligent efforts in educating the generations of tomorrow and encouragement that their hard work does not go unnoticed.

(News release from Lubbock Christian University)