Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) celebrated the outstanding staff, schools, community partners, and alumni throughout the district — those making a difference in the lives of students and families — during the Hall of Fame Awards on Nov. 4.
IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson presented the awards.
Awards and the recipients included:
- Volunteer in Action: Melissa Williams.
- Community Partner in Action: Teachers’ Treasures.
- Outstanding Staff Member: Carla Williams-Thomas, a Family and Community Events liaison at Charles Warren Fairbanks School 105.
- Teachers of the Year: Robin Houdek from IPS Butler University Laboratory School 55 and Brandon Denning from Center for Inquiry School 84.
- Principal of the Year: Valerie Clark, Ernie Pyle School 90.
- Emerging School of the Year: Eleanor Skillen School 34.
- Excellence in Innovation: Purdue Polytechnic High School.
Individuals receiving the Inspiring Award inducted into the IPS Hall of Fame included:
- Kendra Nowell, Arsenal Technical High School (1998), chief executive officer of the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFÉ).
- Pam Poore, Arlington High School (1983), owner/operator of several Indianapolis-area McDonalds.
- Donya Eldridge, Arsenal Technical High School (2000), a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State.
- Corey Parchman, Manual High School (1997), former NFL wide receiver and current business owner and philanthropist.
- Dr. Shawn Smith, Broad Ripple High School, (1986), superintendent of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township.
- Dennis S. Nichols Sr., Arsenal Technical High School (1971), a longtime IPS teacher and administrator.
- Adrian Russell, Arsenal Technical High School (2007), an executive with Shiel Sexton in Indianapolis
- La Keisha Jackson, Arlington High School (1992), an Indianapolis city councilor.
- Timothy (Tim) Coleman, Broad Ripple High School (1986), an executive with Eli Lilly.
- Scott Tarter, John Marshall High School, 1980, a partner at the Bose McKinney law firm.
The Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation presented the annual event with its sponsors: Apex, Anthem, Eli Lilly and Company, J.S. Held, MDwise, CORE Construction, Pepper Construction, Powers & Son, Added Advantage, and Western Governors University.
