Mrs. Susan Holmes, Warhill High School Special Education Teacher, was nominated by two of her colleagues for the Order of the Lion Award. They shared, “Susan never gives up on her students. She gives of her planning time on a daily basis to mentor and support students in need. She tracks down work for students and provides incentives. Daily, she has a “reality check” with a senior about responsibility and what it will take for the student to be successful after high school. Recently, she came in to Warhill, despite having taken personal leave, to help avert a crisis with one of her learners. She is an example of caring and compassion. She is an example to all of us. She NEVER asks for recognition and will usually avoid being in situations where she may receive praise.” Mrs. Holmes, THANK YOU for the gift you are to our learners and your colleagues. You exemplify “The Warhill Way” in all you do!

Mrs. Debbie Crawford, WHS Academic Advisor, also was nominated for an Order of the Lion Award. Her nominee stated, “Regardless of what is asked of her, Mrs. Crawford ALWAYS says “Yes” with a smile. This school year, Mrs. Crawford spearheaded organizing and implementing Warhill’s first Junior Book Awards. She spent countless hours planning and contacting colleges and universities across the country and encouraging their participation. Her efforts culminated in a spectacular ceremony on May 19th, wherein juniors received a book in honor of a prestigious college or university in the U.S. Many of these learners have been inspired to continue their education beyond high school, as a result of the Junior Book Awards celebration.” Mrs. Crawford has also spent many hours collaborating with our counseling team to help students with college admissions, college scholarships, and the like. She has hosted several lunch-time sessions to these ends. Thank you, Debbie Crawford for your passionate commitment to all learners! We look forward to next year’s event!

Our newest honoree is Jeff Deese. Lisa Ingegneri nominated Jeff for his ability and willingness to problem-solve any technological problem that comes his way and does it with a smile. Lisa shared that Jeff helped her French students with a blue screen issue they were having as they worked on a project for class. He dropped everything in order to help her learners with their project! Thank you, Jeff, for all you do for our learners, faculty, and staff AND you do it “The Warhill Way”.

The Order of the Lion award allows Warhill High School faculty and staff to recognize students and/or colleagues who epitomize “The Warhill Way.” Nominees must demonstrate exceptional courage, honor, integrity, leadership, loyalty, persistence, pride, or strength that separate them from the rest of the “pride”. Our February recipient, Mrs. Stephanie Barrell (English teacher), was nominated by Mrs. Linda Gilbert for demonstrating “The Warhill Way” when she assisted her after she fell on ice in the parking lot. Mrs. Barrell walked her to her office and carried her items. She checked up on her later to be certain she was feeling okay.  Fortunately, Mrs. Gilbert did not sustain major injuries and all is well. Day-by-day, our students, faculty, and staff are making a difference… “The Warhill Way”!

Recently, Mrs. Katich signed out textbooks for the new semester.  The next day, Brian came to class and handed her an envelope. Inside, there was a birthday card with a sum of cash, which he found within pages of his book. Brian wanted to make sure the card and its contents were returned to its rightful owner, which they were. Mrs. Katich nominated Brian for the Warhill Order of the Lion Award and on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, he received the award and a Principal’s Coin during an assembly. Brian’s actions were a wonderful exemplar of “The Warhill Way!” Thank you, Brian, for your honesty! We hope others follow your example.

Susie Warren and Jennifer Stanley

Susie Warren and Jennifer Stanley are the first recipients of the WHS Order of the Lion Award. This award recognizes students, faculty, and/or staff who epitomize “The Warhill Way.” Nominees should demonstrate exceptional courage, honor, integrity, leadership, loyalty, persistence, pride, or strength that separate them from the rest of the “pride”. Mrs. Warren and Mrs. Stanley were nominated by their colleagues and parents for their contributions to the students and the learning environment at Warhill.

Jennifer Stanley not pictured