Congratulations Clark Boatright!
The award came as quite a surprise to Boatright, who had
been told he was summoned to Hazelton’s office because he was in trouble.
Rather than an admonition, however, DeBacker showered Boatright with praise.
“Clark, this is really, really special! What your principal, your colleagues,
your district saw in you last year- during your first year- is something we
don’t see in every first year teacher. That is the ability to connect with
students, the ability to make learning fun, and to make the subject matter come
alive.” DeBacker further explained that, by winning the Horizon Award,
Boatright was now part of an elite club of educators called the Kansas
Exemplary Educators Network. As part of this group, he will be able to attend
professional development, conferences, and workshops with other teachers who
have also been recognized at the state and national level.
Hazelton said, “(Boatright) is an amazing guy. He inspires
people. He has done more to inspire kids to give back than anyone I’ve ever had
in this school.” One way Boatright inspires students is through his volunteer
work. For example, last summer, Boatright and his wife spent time in Uganda,
Africa working with less-fortunate children. He also volunteers about two
evenings a week working with a youth group here in Topeka.
Debacker marveled at Boatright’s dedication to teaching and
his creativity in the classroom. He uses a variety of teaching techniques that
allow the kids to participate in hands-on learning. Projects created by the
students adorn Boatright’s classroom, and are a testament to the knowledge the
kids are gaining. “If you can do all this in your first year of teaching, I
cannot imagine what you are going to do five, ten, twenty years down the road.
I want to thank you for choosing teaching as a profession,” Debacker said.
After being notified of his accomplishment, Boatright said, “It’s
pretty humbling because I wasn’t expecting to actually win anything. To win is
an honor. I’m very thankful and grateful.”
Topeka Public Schools is so proud to have Mr. Boatright on
our team!
