Lakewood High School Teacher Honored by Former Student

teacher Becky Havel, who works with the school’s English Language Learners, has been chosen to receive the James Thomas High School Award at Baldwin-Wallace College.

The award was instituted as a way for graduating Baldwin-Wallace seniors to recognize a high school teacher that had a significant impact on his or her life. Baldwin-Wallace senior Khush Baig nominated Havel for one of the eight awards given.

Havel taught Baig, whom is originally from Pakistan and speaks Urdu, during Baig’s freshmen year in the 2004-2005 school year. Havel recalls Baig, who came to the U.S. at 10 years old, as a “delightful young lady…excellent student and highly motivated. I am not surprised she has been successful in college,” she said.

Baig said she was thrilled that B-W offered a chance through the award to honor “such a prominent person in my life.”

“I owe a lot to her (Havel). It’s due to teachers such as her that I have come this far in my life,” Baig said. “She pushed me to have goals in life and its’ because of her encouragement that I have become the person I am today. Ten years ago, I could not speak a word in English and today I am a month away from attaining my bachelor's degree. “

Baldwin-Wallace alumni and Board Trustee James Thomas instituted the award because he recognized the importance of outstanding teaching in high school as preparation for a successful college experience.

Havel and the other seven award recipients will be honored at a banquet on April 22. For her honor, Havel will be given $1,000 and Lakewood High School will also receive $1,000.

Editor's note: Gordillo is the spokeswoman for the Lakewood City Schools.