Quaker Valley Honors Technology Director with Velma Award

Quaker Valley School District recently honored its technology leader with the district's most prestigious honor.

Karlton Chapman, director of technology, was named the 2013 Velma Award winner for his willingness to “stick his neck out” on behalf of students and the district. 

The Velma Award was affectionately named after retired QV assistant superintendent Velma Saire, who would hand out giraffes to recognize staff for "sticking their necks out."

First given in 2001, the award--a giraffe trophy--is presented at the beginning of each school year to the individual or group who best demonstrates that great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.

“Karlton is an exceptional leader who has repeatedly taken responsible, yet considerable, risks while remaining steadfast to the district’s philosophy of one child at a time,” Assistant Superintendent Heidi Ondek said in a news release. 

Chapman recently led the re-design and implementation of Quaker Valley’s website.
This summer he facilitated the installation and training of a new district-wide telephone communication system. In addition, he led the year-long process of research and analysis that resulted in a multi-platform technology plan. 

“Throughout the last year Karlton has effectively led several large-scale initiatives while modeling the effective use of collaboration and cooperation,” Superintendent Joseph Clapper said.

“His unwavering leadership combined with his humble, gentle nature and genuine concern for others make him an outstanding selection for this year’s Velma Award.”  

Chapman will keep the giraffe for a period of one year before it is passed to the next honoree. His name will be added with the other honorees on a plaque that remains in the district office.

Chapman joined the Quaker Valley staff in 1995.  He earned his undergraduate degree from Brown University and two master’s degrees – one in business administration and one in information science – from the University of Pittsburgh.  

Chapman previously served as an adjunct faculty member at Duquesne University – teaching instructional design in the Graduate School of Education.

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