Three GCPS educators recognized by Honored Schools

     On Monday, May 4, three Shiloh Elementary School educators received an unexpected and rewarding early morning surprise.

     Honored Schools selected Lakeya Brown, Nikki Conway, and Caitlin Wacker as winners of the Life-Changing Teacher Award, which recognizes full-time classroom teachers of any subject currently teaching at a school in Atlanta; Indianapolis; Inglewood, Ca.; Houston, and New Orleans. Award nominations are submitted to Honored Schools by students and families. Each teacher also received a $2,000 DonorsChoose classroom resource and a $500 Visa Gift Card cash award.

Lakeya Brown
5th Grade Teacher

“Teaching is something I truly pour my heart into every single day, so being recognized by my school and especially appreciated by my students meant a lot to me,” Brown shares. “Hearing that students felt supported, challenged, and cared for reminded me that the long hours, encouragement, and dedication outside of the school day truly make a difference.”

Nikki Conway
3rd Grade Teacher
“[When I received the award] I was completed in awe,” Conway says. “I was not aware of how many nominations I had and truly was excited to be celebrated for the work that I love to do. This award impacts my work in the classroom because I now have the ability to get resources and materials that are not on my list and too expensive through a DonorsChoose donation, boosting and building on my students’ experiences.”

Caitlin Wacker
5th Grade Teacher

“I felt incredibly honored and appreciated when I learned I was receiving this award,” Wacker shares. “Teaching is full of small, often unseen moments, so to have that work recognized in such a big way was both surprising and deeply meaningful. It motivates me to continue creating a classroom environment where every child feels safe, valued, supported, and inspired to learn.” 

"Having three Shiloh Elementary School teachers recognized by Honored Schools and the College Football Foundation is a powerful affirmation of the exceptional teaching and learning taking place in our building every day,” says Shiloh Elementary School Principal Jennifer Mercedes.  “Ms. Lakeya Brown, Ms. Caitlin Wacker, and Ms. Nicole Conway work to make a positive impact for their classes and all students by leading or supporting various clubs, programs, and events.” 

In addition to the three recognized teachers, Shiloh Elementary teachers received a total of 536 nominations from students and families. 

“These recognitions reflect our teachers' commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and a strong, supportive learning environment,” Mercedes shares. “It reinforces the pride we feel as a school community and inspires us to continue working together to ensure every child thrives."