2025 Winners of the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence
The Community Foundation is excited to announce the winners of this year's R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Congratulations to all the incredible educators that have been awarded this year!
Jonathan Ashe of Franklin Military Academy Award: $15,000
To create a series of mini artist residencies to learn from a diverse group of practicing artists and invite them to engage directly with the Richmond Public Schools (RPS) community.
Lauren Churchill of Ashland Elementary School Award: $10,000
To explore Kenya’s wildlife and ecosystems, gaining firsthand knowledge to enrich media literacy and science instruction, support school culture through deeper House System connections, and bring real-world global experiences into the classroom.
Amanda Drinnon of Advanced Career Education at Hermitage Award: $15,000
To explore diverse landscapes, rich culture, and wildlife on an African safari to deepen students’ understanding of global literature and foster critical thinking about identity, voice, and cultural content in narrative writing.
Connie Hill of Maggie L. Walker Governor's School Award: $14,500
To explore the connections between math, architecture, art, culture, and community in Italy to enrich teaching with real-world applications and inspire students to approach learning with curiosity, courage, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
Ellen Jewell of Brookland Middle School Award: $15,000
To travel to London and Quebec to uncover distinct British and Canadian perspectives on the American Revolution and investigate how these historical narratives continue to shape America’s relationships with Great Britain and Canada.
Robin Keegan of Frances W. McClenney Elementary School Award: $13,900
To explore Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and Katmai National Park to understand human impact on ecosystems and inspire student advocacy for conservation of our natural resources and parks.
Amber Kuper of L.C. Bird High School Award: $15,000
To examine the connection between artists from Japan and France, two vital hubs of the art world, to understand how their artistic exchange has shaped art and culture worldwide, past and present.
Annwyn Long of Alberta Smith Elementary School Award: $9,700
To explore diverse American quilting traditions and engage students in making a collaborative school quilt that weaves together heritage, math skills, and creative expression.
Rolly Quizo of Cardinal Elementary School Award: $11,000
To immerse in the cultures and histories of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras—nations with a colonial past like his native Philippines to create inclusive and culturally responsive instruction that honors and empowers ESL students.
Bryan Sheetz Thomas Dale High School Award: $14,300
To attend the Sports Field Manager's Association Conference, the Toro Grounds Leadership Academy, and different sporting facilities across the United States to learn cultural and best management practices to enhance the turf program.
Megan Standlick of Ashland Elementary School Award: $14,100
To travel to England and New Zealand to experience choral excellence, explore how culture shapes choral traditions, and learn about youth choir structures to inspire students to become confident singers using music from their personal heritages.
Vivianlee Taylor of Thomas Jefferson High School Award: $13,000
To explore visual storytelling in Latin America using Graciela Iturbide’s photography and create a unit linking art, language and identity and will enhance literacy, broaden cultural understanding, and empower students to share their own stories.
Marianne Veitch of Hanover High School Award: $12,400
To explore the evolution of calculus through London, Paris, and Geneva to inspire future mathematical innovators through real-world connections.
Kieran Wilkinson Franklin Military Academy Award: $13,600
To deepen knowledge of geology through firsthand exploration of iconic geological sites from Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon and share findings with students and the broader community.
Jenifer Williams of Enon Elementary School Award: $10,000
To create a learning environment that fosters global curiosity, celebrates cultural diversity, and deepens understanding of the Mayan civilization by immersing myself in the culture of Merida, Mexico.
About The Awards
Established in 1988, the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence recognizes public school teachers who distinguish themselves by their inspiring classroom performance. The program is based on the belief that a positive educational experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels helps children form positive life-long habits toward learning and discipline.
Through a nomination process, approximately 15 outstanding teachers are selected each year to receive cash grants to support professional development activities. Award recipients have earned graduate degrees, climbed mountains, traced their ancestors and met peers from around the world - all to reignite their own passion for learning and to pass it on to their students.