Published: April 03, 2008 10:50 am            

Jonathan Jennings teacher wins WHAS-TV/Teacher of the Year Award

CHARLESTOWN — In a suit and tie, 11-year-old Eli Daniel gathered up his courage as he took the microphone in front of the entire student body, staff and visitors at Jonathan Jennings Elementary on Wednesday afternoon.

With his head down, Daniel read his letter he wrote, nominating his teacher Karen Hooser for the WHAS-TV ExCEL/ Greater Clark County Schools Teacher of the Year Award.

He said that this was his first year to pass the ISTEP and he believes that is in part because of his fifth-grade teacher.

“Ms. Hooser helped me feel confident that I could do it,” he said to the 500 or so people who filled the school’s gymnasium.

All those people gathered to see Hooser receive the award from Gary Roedemeier, anchor for WHAS-TV.

“(This award) reflects the faces of all the children you have affected as a school teacher and will affect in the future,” Roedemeier told Hooser.

After receiving a standing ovation, Hooser took the microphone.

With her voice cracking as she held back tears, Hooser thanked all those who helped her to get where she is today.

“We have a great school full of great teachers,” Hooser, 30, said. “If there is any reason I stand out in any way, it’s because they’re holding me up.

“This is for everyone.”

Hooser said she found out that some parents had nominated her for the award, and was asked to write what turned out to be a 10-page letter about herself.

“I almost didn’t do it,” she said. “I didn’t want to brag, but I really did it to spotlight how great our school is.”

After the ceremony, Hooser’s family and students celebrated with cookies and punch in the library.

Her students were excited to have their teacher win teacher of the year.

“Just knowing you have a great teacher who has done something great, that’s the cool part of it,” Hunter Probus, 11, said.

“She’s a great teacher,” Daniel said. “She just puts her heart into everything she does and we all love her.”

Hooser, who has been teaching for eight years, actually attended Jonathan Jennings when she was a child.

She said it is neat to be back when she started and in the town she grew up in.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” Hooser said, smiling. “I’m just very thankful.”

        

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