Overview
The Teachers of Ohio Representing Character and Heart (TORCH) recognition celebrates teachers who model strong character and a heart for their students, colleagues and communities. The TORCH recognition selection committee was greatly impressed by the stories of teachers from across Ohio who are dedicated to educational equity and make strong personal commitments to their students. From these nominations, the five teachers listed below were recognized during spring 2022.
2023 Honorees
Carrie Burnworth
Mt. Pleasant Elementary – Music
(Lancaster City Schools)
Carrie is an integral part of the Lancaster City Schools music program. She has dedicated her efforts to creating a diverse and inclusive music curriculum for students of all abilities alongside her colleagues and invested countless hours to cultivate a passion for the arts in our students. From local art shows to state-wide student competitions, she lights up with pride as she witnesses students shine in their performances.
Denise Robertson
Tippecanoe High School – French & Humanities
(Tipp City Schools)
Denise helps organize and support events in and outside of the school for all students K-12 at Tipp City Schools. She works behind the scenes to build a community for staff and students through service. She invests the time it takes to connect with current and former students of all ages and goes above and beyond to help anyone.
Bryan Trego
Botkins High School – Social Studies
(Botkins Local Schools)
Mr. Trego is known among the students as the most positive person in the school. As a high school coach, he doesn't only focus on supporting his athletes but makes it a point to support all students by attending every event and activity. His demeanor and outlook are the inspiration for current high school students to consider a career in education. He is an amazing teacher and a better human being.
Kathy Patron
Perry High School – Speech, Debate, Communications
(Perry Local Schools)
Kathy Patron emphasizes how competition can help drive people to communicate clearly and honestly, which ultimately brings about deeper learning. At its foundation, her student debate team is designed to teach young people how to value integrity. Kathy is an inspiration to her students, colleagues, community, and family with a legacy of making Perry Local Schools a better place to learn and grow.
Mary Miller
Belpre Elementary School – Leader in Me / Character Education
(Belpre City Schools)
Known as the most enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate teacher you will ever meet, Mary Miller is a legend in Belpre, Ohio. After decades of teaching English Language Arts, she took on the challenge of teaching and organizing the Leader in Me - Character Education for all elementary students in the district. She has the ability to meet every student where they are and guide them to be the best version of themselves.
Previous Honorees
2022 TORCH Honoree
2021 TORCH Honoree
Last Modified: 12/19/2023 5:30:03 PM