Celebrating Lakota's 2026 Diamond Award Winners

Just in time for Teacher Appreciation Week, the Northern Cincinnati Foundation, in partnership with Lakota Local Schools and Phelan Insurance Agency, is proud to honor four Lakota teachers and staff who are "a cut above the rest." The recipients of the 2026 “Lakota Diamond Awards" include:

• Elementary (PreK-6) Teacher Winner: Danita Taylor (Intervention Specialist, Cherokee Elementary School)
• Secondary (7-12) Teacher Winner: Tim Ross (Environmental Science Teacher, Lakota West High School)
• Support Staff Winner: Jama Singh (Teacher Leader, Cherokee Elementary School
• Administrator Winner: Blake Cripe (Principal, Hopewell Junior School)

Each recipient was honored with a special surprise celebration leading into Teacher Appreciation Week within their respective school communities among their family, colleagues, students and others nominated them. Be on the lookout for videos featuring each winner and their reaction to the news.

"Once again, our community showed up to nominate outstanding educators and support staff for this year's top awards," said Lakota Superintendent Ashley Whitely. "Between this and the 300-plus nominations we received for Gem Awards all year long, the everyday impact of people inside and outside our classrooms on both our students and families seems boundless. The selection committee thoroughly enjoyed reading all the nominations and had some very difficult decisions to make this year." 

“The Northern Cincinnati Foundation is proud to partner with Lakota Schools and Phelan Insurance to honor outstanding educators at Lakota,” said Northern Cincinnati Foundation President & CEO Erin Satzger. “Dedicated teachers and staff not only uplift students, but they also help create a strong school system and a vibrant community where everyone benefits.”

---

Meet Lakota's 2026 Diamond Educators

PreK-6 Teacher Winner: Danita Taylor

After 17 years serving the Cherokee Elementary community, intervention specialist Danita Taylor was celebrated for her influence beyond academics and the lasting impact she has had on students, families, colleagues and the entire school community in her 28-year career. 

In a stack of letters from her colleagues and parents, Danita was widely recognized as a "master of her craft," working every day with students who need more than instructional support. She was recognized repeatedly for bringing patience, understanding and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential, meeting students exactly where they are. Through her work, it was said that students grow not only academically, but also in confidence, emotional regulation and self‑worth.

One parent shared in a nomination, “She has changed our son’s life and mine as well. She sees what he can do and be—and never gives up.” Students describe Danita as a safe place, while colleagues point to her calm expertise and grace in every situation.

What truly sets Danita apart is her steady, positive presence and solutions‑focused mindset, even in the most challenging moments. Families trust her, students feel empowered by her guidance and colleagues rely on her insight throughout the building and across the district. A quiet leader and trusted collaborator, Danita consistently centers her work on one essential question: what is best for kids? Through her dedication and compassion, she exemplifies the very best of Lakota. 

---

7-12 Teacher Winner: Tim Ross

Lakota West environmental science teacher Tim Ross was celebrated for his ability to extend learning beyond his classroom walls, tapping into the community, current events and his students' passions to make learning meaningful, relevant and deeply engaging. 

Nominations from a parent, colleagues and even a former student described Tim as the kind of teacher students don’t want to miss. He brings instruction to life by connecting curriculum to real‑world experiences, from analyzing fuel efficiency in the school parking lot to examining environmental issues through the lens of current events. One parent shared, “Mr. Ross is a bright light and made my kids want to never miss class. In his class, they always felt seen and heard as individuals.” His classroom was described as a safe, positive environment where curiosity is encouraged and respectful dialogue thrives.

A former student wrote, “During COVID, when everything felt bleak, his class was a positive environment that fostered growth and curiosity. He is one of the reasons I pursued environmental engineering.” Beyond academics, Tim takes time to truly know his students—supporting their activities, attending events and building a strong sense of community. 

---

Support Staff Winner: Jama Singh

Cherokee Elementary teacher leader Jama Singh represented the wide range of professionals who support students, staff and families beyond the traditional classroom teacher. A longtime former classroom teacher herself (at Cherokee no less!), Jama's 22 years of experience brings deep instructional knowledge and a heartfelt understanding of what educators and students need to succeed, making her influence both far‑reaching and deeply personal.

Though often working behind the scenes, Jama’s colleagues made it clear that her leadership is front and center in the lives of staff and students alike. She partners with teachers through co‑teaching, mentoring and quiet acts of service that lift others up and strengthen the entire school community. One colleague shared, “She kept me afloat during my first year of teaching—inside the classroom, outside the classroom, and in every moment in between.” That kind of support, colleagues noted, comes not from obligation, but from genuine care and commitment.

Jama was also celebrated for her remarkable gift for making people feel seen and valued. From handwritten notes of encouragement to stepping in “just because,” it was said that she leads with humility, joy and heart. Her creativity transforms professional learning into moments of connection through humor, themed activities and memorable video skits. Students feel her impact as well, as she helps bring engaging lessons and innovative experiences—like virtual reality—into classrooms. As one student wrote, “Every time you come into our classroom, you show gratitude and make us smile.” 

---

Administrator Winner: Blake Cripe

A first year principal at Hopewell Junior School, Blake Cripe was applauded for approaching the challenge with the utmost humility, confidence and deep respect for Hopewell Junior’s traditions, while thoughtfully guiding the school forward. His impact in a short time is evident not only in the systems and structures he has built, but in the strong relationships and culture of trust he fosters every day. 

Drawing on his experience as both a teacher and assistant principal, it was shared that Blake has provided steady, student-centered leadership that preserves what makes Hopewell Junior special. Students know him as a visible and approachable presence—someone who greets them in the hallways, attends their events and takes time to listen during difficult moments. One student shared, “He’s firm, fair and always available. He acts like bumpers in a bowling alley—keeping us on the right path.” Through these daily interactions, Blake ensures students feel seen, valued and supported.

Colleagues described Blake as calm, positive and deeply collaborative, noting his ability to bring people together and build trust across the school community. One teacher wrote, “He has a rare ability to make everyone feel seen at the same time.” Whether introducing innovations like Thunderhawk Folders to improve organization and communication, or leading through staffing and facilities challenges, Blake consistently demonstrates resilience, clarity and compassion. 

 

To be considered for the award, at least three letters of nomination were required. In addition to the 2026 Diamond Educator Award recipients, the following Lakota staff members who met this criteria were nominated for the award:

• Emily Colbert (Intervention Specialist, Independence Elementary)
• Riley Curtis (Teacher, Ridge Junior School)
• Terri Doerr (Parent Mentor, Central Office)
• Michele Huber (Principal, Shawnee ECS)
• Tommy Hymer (Maintenance, Service Center)
• Jenny Iames (Instructional Aide, Ridge Junior School)
• Leslie King (ESL Teacher, Cherokee Elementary)
• Allison McIntosh (Counselor, Hopewell ECS)
• Erin Miller (Teacher, Liberty ECS)
• Alyssa Moots (Intervention Specialist, Adena Elementary)
• Joan Patton (Instructional Aide, Cherokee Elementary)
• Jeffrey Redwine (Teacher, Cherokee Elementary)
• Kaylin Sabo (Teacher, Shawnee ECS)
• Lisa Sizemore (Teacher, Wyandot ECS)

---

About the Lakota Diamond Award

Formerly known as the “Lakota Educator of Excellence Award,” the new name establishes a connection to the Lakota Gem Award, which celebrates outstanding staff all year long. Gem Award recipients were eligible to receive the top “Lakota Diamond Award," but this was not a prerequisite. Rather, nominees were asked to exemplify all six facets, or categories, of the Lakota gems that the District awards on a monthly basis: 

• 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 - Shines in their area of expertise and goes above and beyond in their daily work.

Outstanding educators could be nominated to receive this honor by students, colleagues, parents or any community member who wishes to acknowledge an educator’s exceptional effort during the last school year. Like Lakota’s Gem Award, nominees were not limited to classroom teachers and could include any administrator or support staff member.

Two monetary awards, made possible by the generous sponsorship from Phelan Insurance Agency, are presented each year: one to a teacher from the elementary level (PreK-6) and another to a teacher from the secondary level (7-12). These winners receive a $1,000 grant to be used for a special project at their school. 

The third and fourth non-monetary awards are presented to a Lakota administrator and support staff member who has shown extraordinary commitment to the students and teachers of Lakota Local Schools.

At least three letters of nomination were required for an individual to be considered. Winners are chosen by a committee of representatives from Lakota Local Schools and the Northern Cincinnati Foundation.  

The original “Lakota Educator of Excellence Award” was established in 2007 to recognize educators in the Lakota School District who demonstrate consistency and high commitment to students. These individuals motivate, share ideas, inspire, support, create and go above and beyond to make a difference in their school community and the Lakota District.