IOWA STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
For Release: October 16, 2007
Contact: Lana Oppenheim Schlapkohl, 515-471-8026

Des Moines middle school teacher wins statewide honor

Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

Blake Hammond, sixth-grade science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines, is the 2007 Excellence in Education Award winner. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, and KDSM Fox 17. Hammond was among an elite field of nearly 100 teachers -- all nominated by co-workers, students, and community members because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's school children.

"This award was created to give Iowans an opportunity to recognize and say thank you to teachers who have touched their lives," said Linda Nelson, president of the ISEA. "Each of the nominations was powerful and heartwarming and each had a common theme -- teachers literally change the lives of the students they teach."

Known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm, Hammond's work on behalf of his students extends well beyond the typical classroom and school day. He cares not only about his students but also the community in which they live.

Last year, for example, he spearheaded an effort to create a new computer lab in the Merrill library. He not only helped raise funds, but he set up the entire computer lab himself, then worked with community businesses to secure the donation of library furniture.

Among other projects he's championed:
" A sixth-grade orientation process which gives both students and parents a smooth transition into middle school
" A youth Ambassador program, which helps students plan school pride activities
" "School Store," which helps students and parents purchase discounted school supplies
" A new state-of-the-art fitness center at the school, to combat childhood obesity.

"Blake Hammond is a committed, skilled, and professional educator," wrote Lisa Turner, a Merrill volunteer and parent who nominated him for the honor. "Not only has he been an inspiration to me and my family, but he is also an inspiration to his fellow colleagues and other Merrill parents."

Now in its ninth year, the Excellence In Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who, like Blake Hammond, go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited from Aug. 22 through Sept. 28, and forms were available on the ISEA Web site as well as at local county Farm Bureau offices.
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Hammond will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and his school will receive another $1,000 from the Iowa Farm Bureau during a gala awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

"Iowa Farm Bureau members support outstanding teachers like Blake Hammond, who give education a good name in this state," said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. "That's why we are proud to partner with the ISEA to honor teachers like Blake, who put their students first.  It's that kind of dedication and commitment that will give our students a head start in this world and hopefully start on a lifetime journey of learning," said Lang.

Runners up will also be honored at the Excellence in Education banquet. They are: Rhonda Baker, an elementary special education teacher at Jefferson-Scranton who has done wonders with autistic children; Laura Craft, a second-grade teacher at Central Decatur who literally saved the life of one of her students; Duane Hahn, a science teacher at South Hardin High School in Eldora, who has changed the lives of countless students during his 35-year career; and David Lillie, a fifth-grade teacher at Irving Elementary School in Sioux City who makes a special effort to reach out to students in need. They will each receive a gift card courtesy of Staples.

All of the nominees, along with the individuals who nominated them, have been invited to attend the awards banquet at no charge. The Iowa Farm Bureau will also provide free tours of the Iowa Hall of Pride, which is located within the Hy-Vee Hall.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education . . . It's an Iowa Basic!