Crull wins teacher award (10/9/04)

DUNKIRK — West Jay Middle School teacher Michael Crull received a check for $1,000 and recognition as one of the best teachers in Indiana, being named a 2004 Project E Excellence in Education Award finalist, during a surprise, all-school assembly Friday morning.

Only moments before, several students asked Crull why the special, hastily called assembly was being held, and he replied that he really didn’t know, but perhaps there was going to be a special speaker.

The guest of honor turned out to be Crull.

West Jay principal Andy Schemenaur welcomed the students and guests, including Jay School Superintendent Barbara Downing and school board members Michael Masters and Michael Shannon, then added: “This special assembly is to recognize not only our school but one of our teachers.”

Schemenaur then asked Crull to come down to be presented with a certificate honoring him as one of 20 state finalists.

Reading from the certificate, Schemenaur said this is in recognition “of your extraordinary achievement, motivation and commitment to the students of Indiana from Project E and the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation.”

Schemenaur said the finalist awards are presented annually to 20 teachers, selected by a panel of past award winners from nominations made by teachers, administrators, parents, and students. Project E, the E stands for education, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to improve Indiana schools.

A teaching veteran of more than 20 years — 17 at West Jay — an obviously emotional Crull said, “I love this place. I love the kids.”

To the young people in the audience, Crull emphasized that it was important to have goals and dreams as well as determination. “Everybody in here can make whatever they want to make of their life,” he said. “And you know, I still am overwhelmed by this, and I appreciate your applause and your congratulations — once again thanks.”

Crull has received the 2001-2002 Geo-graphy Middle School Teacher of the Year award from the Geography Educators Network of Indiana as well as the Olin W. Davis Award for the exemplary teaching of economics in Indiana.[[In-content Ad]]