Lakota Staff:
A Cut Above the Rest

Every month (October through May), Lakota Local Schools will shine the spotlight on some of the District's most precious gems - the teachers, administrators and support staff who are a cut above the rest. At any time throughout the year, staff, parents, students and community members are invited to nominate Lakota staff who bring a sparkle to our schools. 

"Every single position here at Lakota is important and part of our district's success story," said Lakota Superintendent Dr. Ashley Whitely. "Through the Lakota Gem Award, it is my goal to celebrate staff whose range of responsibilities and areas of expertise are varied, but whose qualities are strikingly similar. Things like teamwork, innovation, positivity, growth and a student-centered mentality drive excellence and span all roles in public education."

To qualify, nominees should reflect any one of these gem-like facets: 

• Sapphire of Student Support - Values strong relationships and the importance of meeting students' individual academic, social and emotional needs.
   
• Beacon of Positivity - Radiates positive energy and promotes a welcoming culture that celebrates and respects differences. 
   
• Brilliant Innovator - Uses creativity to create dynamic experiences for students and staff, solve problems and allocate available resources wisely.
   
• Polished Team Player - Embraces the power of community and collaboration to lift one another up and work together for the best possible results.
   
• Gem of Growth - A lifelong learner who values feedback and has a growth mindset for continuous professional improvement.
   
• Clear Cut Expert - A skilled master of their trade who absolutely shines in their area of expertise, leads by example and adds exceptional value to our school community. 

Lakota's monthly "gems" will be celebrated for one or more of these award categories, receiving one or more uniquely colored gems that corresponds with the facets for which they were selected. Not every category will be awarded each month. Likewise, the same category may be awarded to multiple staff any given month.

Over time, staff may be awarded multiple gems to celebrate the different qualities they exhibit through their work at Lakota. An individual will not be eligible, however, to receive the same gem twice, even spanning multiple school years. A comprehensive list of award winners, by year, is available below. 

The District aims to recognize a new group of "Lakota Gem Award" recipients on a monthly basis who represent each grade band (K-2, 3-6, 7-8 and 9-12), as well as Central Office and the Service Center. These individuals will be determined by a representative selection committee, surprised during the workday and spotlighted through District communication channels. 

Diamond Educator of the Year Award

Lakota's annual "Diamond Educator of the Year" Award, presented in partnership with the Northern Cincinnati Foundation and Phelan Insurance, is given to four individuals who meet the criteria of all six Gem Award categories. One individual is recognized for each of these groups: K-6 Teachers, 7-12 Teachers, Support Staff & Administrators. Nominees and winners for Lakota's monthly Gem Awards will NOT be automatically considered for this top award, but are eligible and can be nominated using the separate application shared in the spring