Bourne School Committee recognizes staff, students and alumni with Navigator Awards

The Bourne School Committee opened its meeting with a ceremonial presentation of the Navigator Awards, honoring staff, students and alumni for classroom leadership and service. Dr. Joe, the district superintendent, introduced the awards and said the program "was conceived under Emily Barry's chairwomanship of my first year" and now recognizes staff, students and alumni.

The awards, the superintendent said, "exemplify the core values of the district and the Bourne vision," and this year include alumni recognition for the first time. Presenters asked recipients to come forward for a brief photo and certificate; the ceremony was allotted about a half hour before regular business resumed.

Committee presenters read nominations for dozens of honorees across categories. Teachers recognized included Christy Hawks (noted for using costumes to make learning ‘‘magical’’), Amy Geraminski (praised for teaching with intent and enthusiasm), Tammy Kelly (recognized for daily affirmations and a nurturing classroom), Kevin Chapman and Bill Dow (acknowledged for high expectations), and Rebecca Isip, honored as a district nurse leader for her leadership and support of nursing staff and students. Several nominees were noted as unable to attend in person and were recognized in absentia.

Students were also honored. Amelia August was singled out for a strong transition to Bourne and classroom leadership; Kaia Bingman was recognized for persistence and a positive mindset; a group of students nominated by a single teacher were commended for consistently modeling expected behaviors and supporting substitutes.

No formal votes or policy decisions occurred during the awards portion; the committee paused after the presentation before moving on to other agenda items. The meeting then proceeded to the remainder of its business after the awards segment.