CPS Educators and Volunteers Honored at Cincinnatus Excellence in Education Awards

Eight outstanding educators and school volunteers from Greater Cincinnati, including five from Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), were honored at the annual Cincinnatus Association Excellence in Education Awards on February 11, 2025. 

The event, held at Northern Kentucky University’s James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union Ballroom, celebrated educators and volunteers who have significantly impacted local students and schools. Superintendent Shauna Murphy delivered the keynote address, marking one of her first major public speeches since being appointed to lead CPS in November 2024. 

“Education is the foundation upon which we build our lives and the bedrock of our democracy, economy and shared values,” Superintendent Murphy said. “Today, we have an opportunity - a responsibility - to ensure every child receives the education they deserve. This is not just a task for policymakers or educators, it is a call to action for all of us.”

Among the honorees were CPS educators and volunteers who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their students:

• Beau Wheatley, a social studies and English teacher at Gamble Montessori High School, received the Outstanding Greater Cincinnati Public Educator Award. “What I love about teaching adolescents is that they are at a time in their life where they are starting to think critically and recognize their own place in the world,” Wheatley said. “My job as a teacher is to help them solve their problems, not solve their problems for them.”
• Dr. Jennifer Williams, principal of Hughes STEM High School, received the James N. Jacobs Memorial Award of Excellence for Outstanding Administration. “What inspires me as an educator are my students. I chose Cincinnati Public Schools Title I schools in particular, to teach in and to lead in on purpose. There are students who are at some other schools, and it doesn't matter what adult is in front of them, who's leading the school, their resources, or their family, which will help them get to where they need to be. That's not always the case and those kids inspire me. They let me know that the decisions I make are important. They let me know that presence is important and that someone needs to advocate for them, even if they don't realize just yet the importance of education. They're going to have it when they want it and when they need it,” Dr. Williams said.
• Deb Peterson, a preschool volunteer at Bramble Nature Campus, was honored with the John E. Pepper Education Community Service Award. “Every Friday morning, I walk into the preschool classroom, and the kids come running to greet me—it’s the most rewarding experience,” Peterson said. “If you’re thinking about volunteering, just do it. You won’t regret it.”
• Leslie Lyles, a STEM teacher at Bond Hill Academy, received the Cincinnatus-Woodward Trust Distinguished Teacher Award. “I'm a revolutionary. This work is such great work and I know the importance of being a positive impact in children's lives, so I try to remind my students that they came from greatness. Their ancestors were inventors and scientists and mathematicians. I'm hoping what inspires me, I'm able to also instill that in the students I teach every day,” Lyles said.
• Michelle Judt, a science and social studies teacher at Roberts Academy, received the Outstanding Student Teacher Mentor Award for her dedication to guiding the next generation of educators.

Elliot Grossman, chair of the Cincinnatus Education Awards Committee, praised the recipients for their passion and dedication. 

“These award-winning educators are inspiring for their commitment to giving students the best possible education,” Grossman said. “They’re dedicated to continually getting better as educators.”

Superintendent Murphy emphasized the importance of investing in educators and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to high-quality learning opportunities. 

“Teachers are the heart of our education system. That is why we are here this evening. We want to celebrate the hard work of our honorees and the hard work of so many unsung educators, paraprofessionals, administrators and staff across our schools and across the country," Murphy said.

CPS congratulates all honorees and thanks them for their dedication to students and the community. Their commitment and passion are a testament to the power of education in transforming lives.