2021-22 Williams Award Winners!

Each year the Wilmington Schools Foundation recognizes teachers for Excellence In Education. Each teacher received a certificate and money to spend in their classroom. The Williams Award was established in 1996 by the WHS Class of 1945. It honors the memory of two devoted teachers, Woodrow and Esther Williams, who dedicated their professional lives to excellence in education. The awards are presented each year to teachers who reflect the enthusiasm, dedication, preparation, and inspiration the Williams exhibited.

Congratulations to the following 2021-22 Williams Award Recipients!

Elexis Wiederhold, Preschool (East End)

Elexis Wiederhold is a preschool teacher and the Williams Award recipient this year for the PreK-2nd grade buildings. It is amazing to see Elexis in action with her colleagues and students. She was born to be a teacher! Her passion and enthusiasm for this profession and for her students are remarkable. Elexis knows each individual’s developmental level and interests, and through a balance of structure, inquiry, and exploration, Elexis provides opportunities for students of all levels to be successful. There is no “status quo” with Elexis. She is always learning and researching ideas to meet the needs of her students. Her compassion and advocacy for her students is admirable and a treasure. One of her strongest attributes is when facing a barrier or problem, Elexis is quick to brainstorm possible solutions. Our students and our district are lucky to have Elexis as an educator!

Melissa Krause, Gifted Intervention Specialist (Intermediate Elementary)

Melissa Krause is a strong teacher leader in the building. From being a pull out gifted model to a co teaching gifted model, she makes a positive impact whatever setting she is in. When Melissa went into a co teaching model she quickly saw that what she planned and did in the classroom affected not only the gifted students but all students. She quickly became a valuable part in the planning especially this year starting a new program in math. She was the bridge between 4th and 5th grade making effective similar resources and linking the learning between grade levels.
She has such a strong passion for teaching. You can see how strong it is in every conversation you have with her and watching her in the classroom with students. She has had such a positive impact on the students and staff at Denver. We are very fortunate to have her at Denver.

Ken Platt and Nick Hughes, Co-Teachers (WMS)

Mr. Platt and Mr. Hughes are ROCKSTAR co-teachers. While developing strong relationships with kids, they also have high expectations for behavior and academics using a variety of instructional strategies. They are dedicated to student success and they consistently earn high growth ratings for their students by the state. It is always enjoyable to visit their classrooms and to see the energy they bring to all students.

Jeff Stevenson, Social Studies (WHS)

Mr. Stevenson wears lots of hats at Wilmington High School- teacher, coach, sports facility manager, mentor, friend. Mr. Stevenson stays very busy! He has been teaching at Wilmington HIgh School in the social studies department for the last 23 years, and a total of 38 years in education. He is a team player and is always engaged in professional learning and reflection: implementing strategies to help students in the classroom. He has mastered the art of storytelling and engaging students in the history curriculum. Mr. Stevenson checks in with students to see how they are doing and asks about light night’s game or extracurricular event. He is always thinking of others and cares deeply for the Wilmington community. Thank you, Jeff, for always showing Hurricane Pride!