Oak Hall students and faculty started their final week of the school year with a special surprise courtesy of the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools.
Coach Cathy Nogueria, PE and Motor Development Teacher and Oak Hall/Dickson Co-op coordinator, was awarded the Connie Wootton Excellence in Teaching Award. The award comes along with a $5,000 check in her name.
Executive Director of Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools Rob Develin was at the school to give the award. He outlined the criteria for winning which include:
- Displaying passion for teaching and innovation
- Demonstrating a deep appreciation for professional development
- Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit
- Desiring their school to reflect an ongoing commitment to excellence
- Loving the students and strive daily to help them achieve their personal best
- Exhibiting commitment to the Episcopal approach to education, which could be understood as faith-seeking understanding
Develin also noted that while the award may be only given to one teacher, she could not have earned it alone.
“It’s important for me to point out that great teachers do not exist in a vacuum,” he said. “This award will be given to a member of the Oak Hall team today, but please note that this award is also a wonderful reflection on the entire Oak Hall community.”
He also teased Nogueria identity by dropping a few hints about her identity prior to making the big announcement.
A letter from a parent stated, “in Oak Hall’s school creed it says ‘I believe that God has great expectations for me.’ If I were to choose one teacher who leads that mission it would be her.’
A former student wrote, “she always invested in her students and their goals and dreams. This included our education, our extracurricular involvement, our social lives and most especially concerning our relationship with Christ.”
A board member wrote, “I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how her encouragement her teaching methods and genuine concern for every student positively shapes our students’ experiences. I can’t imagine Oak Hall School without her. She has such a steadfast belief in each child’s potential that students from preschool to middle school cannot help but give her their all in her class.”
Even after Nogueria’s name was announced, she still had one more surprise in store for her. He family was at the school to see her get her big award.
“I’m very honored and I would like to reiterate what he said, I work with a lot of people who are deserving of this award,” she said. “Thank you very much it means a lot to me.”
