Leesburg Elementary special education teacher Ava Hoops was given the Hometown Hero Award at Monday’s Warsaw School Board meeting.
The award is sponsored by Dog Training Elite.
Cassie Frank, Dog Training Elite, said her business has developed an award called the Hometown Hero, where “we would like to honor a veteran, active military person, first responder and even a teacher.”
Monday, Frank said they would recognize “a very special teacher tonight for their commitment and serving heart that they continue to pour into our students at Warsaw Community Schools.”
Principals were asked to reflect on a teacher on their building.
Hoops’ selection was based on her concern for individual students, ability to inspire learning, cooperation with fellow professionals and her commitment to continuous improvement and support for school programs. Her remarkable influence extends beyond the classroom, making a lasting difference in the lives of her students and colleagues, according to a news release from WCS.
Hoops’ selection was decided on from a letter from Leesburg Elementary Principal Nathan Polston about Hoops.
Monday, Polston said, “After consideration, I decided to nominate my special ed teacher Ava Hoops.”
Polston read a couple portions of the letter he wrote about Hoops during Monday’s meeting.
“Ava works with our most challenging students in our school” and she does that with a smile on her face. Polston said she has students who verbally or physically confront her due to their disabilities. Regardless of the severity of the incident, she shows compassion while she still holds the student accountable. Her ability to establish a rapport with each student is unparalleled.
Hoops’ dedication goes beyond the classroom, Polston said. She has a unique ability to connect with her students, inspire her students and enrich their lives.
“Her passion for teaching and her initiative approach to education make a true hero,” he said.
After reading the letter, Polston said it’s interesting how it all worked out as Hoops was probably the worst mistake he’s ever made in the hiring process. “Not because I hired her, but because I originally did not,” he said.
When Polston originally interviewed Hoops in spring 2020, she came in second in the hiring process. Polston ended up hiring a student teacher in the building instead of Hoops. That teacher later resigned to take a job in her hometown.
Polston then called up Hoops to offer her the position.
“She probably knew how much of a fool I was for passing on her in the first place and couldn’t wait to begin her career just to show me how foolish I was,” Polston said. “I’m thankful for Ava. I’m thankful that she didn’t let her pride get in the way when I called the second time. I’m thankful that Ava has shown me that I made the wrong decision. The best thing is Ava never brings the story up because that’s not the type of person she is. She’s not the type of person who holds grudges and throws things back in your face. She’s just someone who loves her kids and shows compassion. She’s more worried about making a difference in the lives of those students.”
Franks informed Hoops, along with the award, she was being given an all-inclusive trip to be used during summer or holiday break.