Southwest Allen County Schools

September 2024

Courtney Hixson, First Grade Teacher, Haverhill Elementary School

Nomination commentary from parent: 

When I think of Mrs. Hixson, 1st grade teacher at Haverhill Elementary, a quote from Maya Angelou comes to mind. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Our daughter had such a special first grade experience with Mrs. Hixson as her teacher. What we observed over the past year was that Mrs. Hixson encourages each of her students to do their personal best and truly fosters the love for learning. She works to instill confidence in her young learners and it was very evident that our daughter learned to bravely try new things, even if that meant trying and making mistakes in the process. She made school safe and she created a warm and inclusive classroom environment. And her connections with her students are life long – even offering to be a pen pal over the summer with her students. When I ask my daughter what makes Mrs. Hixson so special, she says, “I don’t know. She just makes you feel good inside.” People will never forget how you make them feel. Thank you, Mrs. Hixson!

October 2024

Tamera Cheviron, Kindergarten Teacher, Lafayette Meadows Elementary

“Mrs. Cheviron has been amazing with both our kids. If it was not for her 2 years ago knowing something was not right with our oldest, we wouldn’t have known he had a febrile seizure. She has been amazing even with checking on our oldest after he left her classroom. She now has our middle child, and it is great having someone that knows the whole story and our family medical. She is just so sweet and caring. I know my kids are in amazing hands when they are in her class.” -parent nominator

November 2024

Katie Gray, School Nurse, Summit Middle School

Below is what her parent/student nomination said:

“We are deeply grateful for the care and support Nurse Gray shows students at Summit. She is intelligent, patient, compassionate, and calm. She has been amazing at communicating with us, often going above and beyond by providing information, guidance, directions, and a listening ear. It can be anxiety producing to send our student to school, who deals with food allergies and asthma. Will the student be safe and get help if not feeling well? Will the staff know what to do or take the matter seriously? And will they communicate to the parents in a timely manner? Thankfully, it is not often our student has gone to the Nurse for help. But, the few times they have gone to Nurse Gray, they have felt comfortable talking to her about symptoms, issues, and concerns. For a middle school student, that is huge! I know that our student is being watched after and supported. Her empathy and insight has made all the difference during difficult times. She keeps us up to date, responds promptly to messages, updates records, and is genuinely concerned about the well being of students. Nurse Gray, your commitment to providing exceptional care is a testament to your character and expertise. Thank you for all that you do”