The Indiana State Teachers Association is committed to highlighting the best in public education. At the annual ISTA Summer Conference, ISTA President Teresa Meredith honored several public educators and advocates with awards reflecting their dedication to public schools. 

"Indiana has a strong record of support for public education," said ISTA President Teresa Meredith. "Since ISTA's founding in 1854, our organization has benefitted from the dedication of our educators and advocates. I am honored to continue the tradition of recognizing and thanking those that advance and support public education." 

The N. Robert Montfort Communications Award recognizes the excellence in local association communications programs to support the United Education Profession in Indiana. Two local associations received this acknowledgement. The New Albany Floyd County Bus Drivers Association won the award for local associations with membership of 100 - 200. The Fort Wayne Education Association won the award for local associations with membership of more than 400. 

Cheryl Stouder, Concord Junior High, was recognized with the Community Service Award. Since 1995, Stouder has led efforts in her school, district and community to raise more than $300,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  

Muncie Star Press reporter Emma Fittes was honored with the School Bell Award. Fittes includes the perspective and voices of teachers and educators in her reporting. She has thoroughly covered the board meetings, contract negotiations and legislative actions affecting the Muncie education community. 

Two ISTA members were honored with the J.D. Miller Young Activist Award. Marcie Herring, Frankfort Education Association, and RaeAnn Wintin, Seymour Education Association, have both been involved in ISTA since college and have demonstrated leadership commitment by serving in various positions in their local associations. 

Pat Cooper, Northeastern Wayne Teachers Association, was nominated by Amy Tudor for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Cooper has taught for 39 years. Throughout her career, she has been a mentor to colleagues encouraging her peers to connect with students and commit to the profession. 

The ESP of the Year Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of an education support professional (ESP) on behalf of young people. This year's honoree was Pamela Uryga, Michigan City ESP. Uryga has been an instructional assistant with Michigan City Area Schools for 16 years. 

In 2016, Julie Hollingsworth of Fort Wayne led a group of volunteers to pass a multi-million-dollar referendum to improve learning and teaching environments in the Fort Wayne Community Schools. This effort earned her the honor of ISTA Friend of Education Award. Hollingsworth demonstrated a commitment to public education and our kids.