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

Sioux City elementary school teacher is honored

Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

David Lillie, a fifth-grade teacher at Irving Elementary School in Sioux City, has been named as one of four runners up for the 2007 Excellence in Education Award. The program is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, and KDSM Fox 17. He was selected from among nearly 100 nominations submitted 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."

A beloved teacher at the school for some 17 years, Lillie is known for his ability to connect with students -- particularly those who are in need. He was nominated for the honor by Jamie Myers whose five children have all been Lillie's students.

Among the many ways he makes a difference for students and fellow teachers, Lillie:

" Works closely with the vocal music teacher to collaborate on a musical or play.
" Scours thrift shops to purchase clothing, at his own expense, for students whose families cannot afford to buy them.
" Willingly shares techniques and strategies for teaching reading with fellow teachers.
" Writes grants to buy instruments for any fifth-grade student whose family can't afford them and works with Irving's business partner, Security National Bank, to encourage employees to donate used instruments.
" Helps organize events at the school including a carnival and bingo night.

Now in its ninth year, the Excellence In Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who go the extra mile and 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.

"Iowa Farm Bureau members support outstanding teachers like David Lillie, 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 David, 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.

Lillie will receive his award along with a gift card courtesy of Staples 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.

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.

This year's Excellence in Education Award winner is Blake Hammond, a sixth-grade science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines.

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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!