The Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) is seeking nominations for Nashville’s most prestigious public education awards to be presented at the organization’s 13th Annual Public Schools Hall of Fame Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Throughout the event’s history, the NPEF has honored 59 community leaders and Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) alumni at the annual event, recognizing their achievements and positive impact on public education and our community. Last year’s Hall of Fame drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 700 and featured a musical performance from GRAMMY Award-winning artist Vince Gill accompanied by members of the Head Middle Magnet Singers.
“So many members of our community are making great strides to improve public education for Nashville children,” said David Williams, chairman of the NPEF’s board of directors. “By highlighting the homegrown success of our MNPS alumni, movers and shakers in Nashville, and the ingenuity and innovation in our classrooms, we hope to ignite even bolder change in our public education landscape.”
The NPEF is seeking nominations for three awards:
Inspiring Innovation Award:
The Inspiring Innovation Award, presented by NISSAN, is given to an educator, program or school that exemplifies the NPEF’s commitment to bring bold, innovative strategies to our public schools. Nominees must demonstrate creative, outside-the-box approaches to teaching or educational programming, with demonstrable impact. These are bright spots in our community, people doing work to move the needle and post gains for their kids. The winner also receives a $10,000 grant. Last year’s inaugural Inspiring Innovation Award was presented to the Nashville Newcomer Academy, a unique partnership of STEM Preparatory Academy, MNPS and the city, for their groundbreaking work with English-language learners.
Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Service Award:
Presented by Education Networks of America, the Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Service Award is given to a dynamic and impactful civic, business or political leader in the Nashville community who demonstrates the pinnacle of commitment and service to improving the quality of life for our residents through his or her support and advocacy of public education. The award is named after the late co-founder of the NPEF, Nelson C. Andrews. Andrews was a tireless advocate for Nashville’s public schools and believed in giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of young people. Past recipients have included Phil Bredesen, Kix Brooks, Annette Eskind, Bill Frist and Renata Soto.
Distinguished Alumni Award:
The Distinguished Alumni Award, presented by Ingram Industries, is a celebration of the best and brightest graduates of MNPS who are committed to public education, have displayed leadership in their respective professions, have made significant business, political or civic contributions, and have positively impacted the lives of others. Election to the Hall of Fame acknowledges the individual has made distinguished contributions to his or her profession as well as his or her community and serves to inspire future graduates to perform and serve in the same spirit. Last year, the award was presented to Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr., Joe Steakley and the Rev. Dr. Becca Stevens.
Community nominations can be submitted online at nashvillepef.wpengine.com. The deadline for nominations is May 8.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. If you are interested in being a sponsor or would like more information, please contact Melinda Judd at [email protected] or 615-727-1515.
