Altitude Awards

On April 29, 2025, Sycamore Community Schools reached a new milestone with the first-ever district-wide Altitude Awards Night — an inspiring evening held in the Sycamore Junior High School Theater that celebrated the people who make our schools extraordinary.

With over 450 heartfelt nominations submitted by students, parents, and staff, it was a night to honor the passion, perseverance, and dedication of our Sycamore family.

🎥 Watch the Recap Video Here: https://youtu.be/dX-YjbMjkt4

Celebrating Our Stars

The Altitude Awards celebrated our retirees and recognized excellence across the district, from inspiring educators to outstanding support staff, community partners, and students. 

Congratulations to all who were nominated and to the following winners:

🌟 Altitude Award Winners

• Ashley Friend – Maple Dale Elementary – Overall District Teacher of the Year
• Hank Ray – Sycamore High School – Overall District Classified Excellence Award
• Haley McKenna – SHS Teacher of the Year
• Emily Kohls – Blue Ash Teacher of the Year
• Matthew Kinasewitz – Greene Intermediate Teacher of the Year
• Debbie Emrick – Maple Dale Teacher of the Year
• Tony Shaver – Montgomery Teacher of the Year
• Justine Deaton – Sycamore Junior High Teacher of the Year
• Teek Phou – Symmes Teacher of the Year
• Katelyn Robinson – Administrator of the Year
• Lydia Scott – Rising Star of the Year
• Ashwin Corattiyil – Kids’ Choice Award – SHS
• Garth Truter – Business Partner of the Year – Chick-fil-A, Kenwood Towne Centre
• Amy Mihin – Community Impact Award
   

🏆 Classified Excellence Awards

• Kimberly Sims – Child Nutrition Professional, SHS
• Tony Mappes – Custodian, Greene Intermediate
• Jordan Pouncey – Educational Assistant, SJHS
• Lisa Hilling – Transportation Professional, District Transportation
• Patty New – Registrar, District Office

🥇 Coaches of the Year

• Brian Wissel – SHS Coach
• Jason Foley – SJHS Coach
   

Altitude Teacher of the Year Finalists

Blue Ash Elementary

• Kendra Hawkes
• Darren Korn
• Emily Kohls (Winner)

E.H. Greene Intermediate

• Tim Graulty
• Katherine Rapp
• Matthew Kinasewitz (Winner)

Maple Dale Elementary

• Zach Richardson
• Matt Conklin
• Debbie Emrick (Winner)

Montgomery Elementary

• Amey Chalk
• Gina Tierney
• Tony Shaver (Winner)

Sycamore Junior High School

• Abigail Morris
• Michael Narad
• Justine Deaton (Winner)

Sycamore High School

• Ning Zhang
• Ken Holdt
• Haley McKenna (Winner)

Symmes Elementary

• Mikaela Talbott
• Corinne Wilson
• Teek Phou (Winner)

Honoring Our Retirees

The Altitude Awards also took time to honor those closing a chapter with Sycamore. Best wishes to our retirees as they embark on their next chapter.

Attending Retirees

Jane Hillenbrand, Kara Huffman, Lori Klima, Denise Neuss, Molly George, Mary Palmer, Kim Meyer, Sally Ganz, Stefany Reedy, Teresa Martin, Georgia St. John, Stephanie Reisert, Nancy Carman, and Janice Stair

Honored in Absentia

Phillip Hammer, Johanna Gordon, Jodi Csendes, Danielle Burns, Jennifer Ferris, Joseph Dilley, Susan Linton, Lori Honican, Judi Pollak, Danny McMurray, Jody Robinett, Nancy McMurray, John Traub, Amy Wuebbolt, Sue Vollman, Sarah Sterkin, and Theresa Manning

Student Hosts & Special Guests

Thank you to our student emcees–Clarissa Ramirez Hernandez, Brett Kramer, Lev Newton, and Sadie Whalen for hosting the evening with poise and enthusiasm. Thank you also to the Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble for sharing their talent.

Event Partners
We could not have done it without our  partners behind the scenes. Special thanks to the following: 

• DelightMore Catering
• Jeremy McDaniel Photography
• Totally Lit Events
• USA Balloonatics
• All Occasions Event Rentals
• SHS Aves Council Leadership Group
• SHS Broadcast Team