Strongsville Teacher Gets Teacher Of The Year Award

STRONGSVILLE, OH - Second grade teacher Katie Hawk is the first recipient of the Sister Rita Mackert Teacher of the Year Award. The award was established by the Strongsville Council of the Knights of Columbus to recognize an outstanding teacher in the Strongsville City School District.

Hawk teachers at Surrarrer Elementary. She's been a teacher for nine years, all with Strongsville Schools. Hawk is also a graduate of the Strongsville Schools and now teaches at the same elementary school that she attended.

“I really appreciate being chosen as the Teacher of the Year by the Knights of Columbus. I take great pride in my dedication to our students and their families. This award only motivates me to do an even better job. I am very grateful for the opportunities I've been given and I look forward to many more years of making a difference in our students’ lives and continuing to enhance our district,” said Hawk in a statement.

Surrarrer principal Sally Raso described Hawk as a well-respected teacher who supports all of the district's initiatives. Raso said Hawk frequently has parent volunteers in the classroom to try and knit the community together.

“We are very appreciative of the Knights of Columbus for establishing this community award to recognize the outstanding teachers in our district. Mrs. Hawk is well deserving of this award for her continued commitment to finding innovative and creative ways to enrich her students and making her classroom the very best learning environment. In addition, she is a leader in our district, serving on numerous building and district level committees, which assist us in moving our district forward,” said Cameron Ryba, superintendent of Strongsville City Schools, in a statement.

The Strongsville Teacher of the Year award is the Knights of Columbus' fourth Community Award. The group has been awarding Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year Awards, as well as a Dispatcher of the Year Award. Sister Rita Mackert Teacher of the Year Award for Strongsville is new in 2017.

"It is our way of saying thank you for those that have a tremendous impact in our community,” said
William Burdick, past Grand Knight/Trustee of the Strongsville Council and currently the District
20 Warden for the Knights of Columbus, in a statement. “This award is named after Sr. Rita Mackert. Sister Rita has taught in the City of Strongsville for over 50 years. She is one of the longest tenured teachers in our community. Sister Rita has been involved with the education of both parochial and public school students. We honor Sister Rita and thank her for devotion and commitment to her faith, her profession, and the educating of our children.”

Photo from Strongsville Schools