Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Shirlee Clevenger, Warsaw Community High School Spanish teacher, is the Warsaw Community Schools Teacher of the Year for 2002-03. The goal of the Teacher of the Year program is to honor outstanding teachers, acknowledge their many contributions to our school and students and thank them for their dedication and service.
WCHS teacher Jeanne McCormack, who nominated Clevenger, said in her nomination letter, "Shirlee has quietly been the local 'guardian angel' to many Hispanic families. She has become affectionately known as 'La Maestra,' the teacher."
Expecting all her students to reach high standards has earned Clevenger a reputation as a tough teacher. Genuinely loving students and helping families with translation, housing and jobs has earned her a reputation as a friend, mentor and "La Maestra" to the entire Hispanic community. Her tough standards, self-sacrifice and love for others over her 20-year career have earned Clevenger the title of Teacher of the Year.
"There's a beauty in what she does," McCormack said. "Her classroom is truly the entire community. ... Her legacy is just going to be tremendous."
Five other WCS teachers were nominated by their peers for this award: Kathee Reed, first grade at Silver Lake Elementary; Judy Kinsey, fourth grade at Leesburg Elementary; Brenn Dahms, math specialist at Jefferson Elementary; Criss Corson, second grade at Washington Elementary; and Chris Boyd, health and physical education at Lakeview Middle School.
