Marion Community Schools honors three educators with Mary Clark Hanley Awards

Rianne Aguliar, Marion Community Schools’ K‑8 curriculum director, opened the board meeting by presenting the Mary Clark Hanley Awards, a district prize established by alumnus William Hanley to honor his mother’s legacy of teaching. "It's an absolute honor to be standing up here in front of you today," Aguliar said as she described the award's history and the district selection process.

Principal Michelle Smith introduced Nancy Chen as the Allen school honoree; Chen was unable to attend and family members accepted on her behalf. In remarks read at the meeting, the family praised Chen’s five decades of service to Marion Community Schools. A written statement attributed to Chen said receiving the award was "truly humbling" and expressed gratitude to colleagues and students for shaping her career.

The board also recognized Rachel Bate, a kindergarten teacher cited for leadership and for advancing English‑language development strategies in her classroom, and Marquita Coleman of Justice Intermediate School, praised for relationship‑building, mentoring new teachers and extensive extracurricular support. Presenters highlighted measurable classroom outcomes — including early reading gains — and emphasized each teacher’s role in building school culture.

Board members and the teachers association echoed appreciation for the recipients, noting wide staff support at the ceremony and encouraging the public to attend district events that showcase student work. The recognitions concluded with photos and applause; no formal board action was required.

The meeting later moved on to business items, with formal votes recorded separately.