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Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award

Inspire & Reward Excellence With the Hawkins Award   

Western & Southern Financial Group established the Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award to inspire and reward excellence among educators in Cincinnati Public Schools. The Hawkins Award honors one educator who has elevated the educational process in our public schools to an exceptional level through personal commitment, dedicated focus and outstanding results. We are hopeful that recipients of the Hawkins Award will serve as inspirational role models who encourage other educators to achieve excellence.

John Barrett standing next to 2024 Hawkins Educator of the Year Susan Grasso and CPS Interim-Superintendent Shauna Murphy

Hawkins Award Eligibility

One outstanding Cincinnati Public Schools educator will receive a personal award of $10,000. Current Cincinnati Public School District faculty members with at least five years of experience as an educator and three or more most recent years of educational experience in the Cincinnati Public School District are eligible. Previous award winners are not eligible for repeat consideration. Nominations are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Educator instills in children a love for learning and a desire to achieve.
  • Educator has demonstrated a positive impact on student achievement levels.
  • Educator serves as a role model who encourages other educators to achieve excellence.
  • Educator serves as a change agent who advances the quality of education.

Meet Our Winners

  • 2007
    Sharon Johnson, Withrow University High School
  • 2008
    Kimya Moyo, Aiken College & Career High School
  • 2009
    Angela Roddy, Cincinnati Public Schools
  • 2010
    Nancy L. Johnson, Cincinnati Public Schools
  • 2011
    Barbara J. James, Riverview East Academy
  • 2012
    Kathleen Donohoue, Sayler Park Elementary
  • 2013
    Harrison Collier, Jr., Walnut Hills High School
  • 2014
    Mary Beth Platen, Fairview-Clifton German Language School
  • 2015
    Krista Taylor, James N. Gamble Montessori High School
  • 2016
    Melissa Estell, Woodford Paideia Academy
  • 2017
    Belinda Wallace, Rockdale Academy
  • 2018
    Jo Guido, Clark Montessori High School
  • 2019
    Erin Kernohan, Midway School
  • 2020
    Stacey Hill-Simmons, Evanston Academy
  • 2021
    Meggan Johnson, Woodward Career Technical High School
  • 2022
    Katheryn Hunsberger, Gamble Montessori Elementary School
  • 2023
    Dr. Mary Webb, Withrow University High School
  • 2024
    Susan Grasso, Hughes STEM High School

Award Nomination Process

Nominate

Any current member of Cincinnati Public Schools faculty or central office can nominate a fellow educator. All nominees must be certificated and self-nominations are not accepted.

Review

A committee composed of school system representatives review the nominations, select the top candidates and share those with the Selection Committee to determine the final recipient of the award.

Present

The Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award is presented at a reception attended by all finalists, their guests and their supervisors.
about dr hawkins

About Dr. Hawkins

Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins was a member of the elite Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American fighter pilots who fought in World War II. He earned undergraduate degrees from the University of Cincinnati in history and education, a master's degree in psychology and administration and a doctorate in education.

Dr. Hawkins was affiliated with the Mayor's Police/Community Relations Panel, the Cincinnati Human Relations Committee and the Community Development Advisory Council. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Western & Southern Financial Group from 1990 to 2009 and passed away on April 4, 2009.

dr hawkins with mr barrett

Dr. Hawkins' Career in Education

Dr. Hawkins was a renowned educator in the city of Cincinnati. In 1945, he began teaching in Cincinnati Public Schools and went on to serve as principal of Samuel Ach Junior High School. In 1967, Dr. Hawkins became assistant superintendent in Cincinnati Public Schools. He joined the faculty at UC in 1969 as professor of education and community services. Subsequently, he founded the College of Community Affairs at UC and was appointed dean. In 1974, Dr. Hawkins was promoted to vice president of continuing education and metropolitan affairs and promoted again in 1976 to executive vice president of administration.