INDIANAPOLIS — Officials from Eastern Hancock Community Schools were part of the Third Annual Red Carpet Event Celebrates Indiana’s Top Schools and Educators ceremony last week in Indianapolis.
During the event, Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) awarded nearly $5 million to schools and educators across the state. This black-tie event is focused on celebrating and elevating the work of Indiana’s educators as they support student learning.
Eastern Hancock was recognized under the Excellence in Student Pathways category. They were awarded $250,000 to use for programming for students.
“We are incredibly proud to have been recognized at the Educational Excellence Awards Gala for our work in creating meaningful pathways and opportunities for our students,” superintendent George Philhower said. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team at Eastern Hancock, as well as our amazing students who continue to inspire us every day.”
Philhower noted district officials are grateful for the support of the community and partners in helping them build a brighter future for all students.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey,” Philhower said. “We’re just getting started.”
Eastern Hancock officials have already received the funds and used the money for professional development, the purchase of equipment for hands-on-career-related classrooms, and supplies.
Philhower noted district officials feel fortunate to be recognized by the state for being progressive and implementing programming to help students.
“We’re fortunate in that what we’re wanting to do is what the state wants and it is what is best for the kids,” Philhower said.
Officials from the IDOE noted the Educational Excellence Awards Gala is a celebration of the extraordinary impact educators have on students and communities across Indiana.
“We know that continuous improvement is part of our journey, yet tonight is about pausing to shine a spotlight on the incredible successes happening in our schools,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “These educators are more than just teachers— they’re mentors, leaders and pillars in their communities who have touched countless lives over the years. They deserve to be celebrated like the stars they are, and this event is one way for us to say thank you for the immense difference they make every single day.”
The gala was hosted in Indianapolis Friday and brought together nearly 550 educators and guests from across the state. The event recognized the 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Indiana’s 2023 Milken Educator Award recipients and other dedicated educators from across the state. The event also recognized schools that are excelling in key areas such as literacy (science of reading), STEM and rethinking high school.
The largest award of the evening, Excellence in Next Level Educational Experiences and Opportunities, recognizes the school or district making significant strides in preparing students for their future, which includes focusing on literacy, STEM and college and career readiness.
IDOE also awarded districts with up to $250,000 for excellence in areas including early literacy, STEM, student pathways, college readiness, community collaboration and educator professional development. The size of each financial award is proportional to the respective school or district’s total student population. Awards must be used to sustain and expand the school’s current, impactful programming, to support teachers who lead this work, as well as to mentor other schools to drive additional, innovative strategies through a community of practice.
Additionally, 10 outstanding educators were awarded with $2,500 each for their commitment to areas such as professional growth, use of technology in the classroom and cultivating community partnerships.
