2024 MVCSC Building Winner TOY SOY District Nominees
The Mt. Vernon Education Foundation (MVEF) proudly announces the nominees for the 2025 Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Staff Member of the Year (SOY) awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates unparalleled excellence and honors those who exemplify the highest standards in education and service.
Each year, these awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary educators and staff members who embody MVCSC’s core values: Dedication, Teamwork, Caring Demeanor, Student-Centered Focus, Lifelong Learning, and Innovation.
Honoring Exceptional Talent Across All Buildings
For the 2025 awards, MVEF is honored to recognize one teacher and one staff member from each building as winners and nominees for the prestigious district-level awards. This rigorous, two-phase process underscores the exceptional commitment and leadership demonstrated by the honorees.
Phase 1: Building Nominations
- Led by Dr. Scott Shipley, staff members nominate their peers for TOY and SOY recognition.
- The top three nominees in each category are rated by their colleagues based on district values.
- Peer ratings determine the building-level winners for TOY and SOY.
Phase 2: District Award Consideration
- Building winners submit comprehensive applications to the MVEF TOY/SOY Committee.
- Applications are supported by letters of recommendation from building principals, outside endorsements, and personal interviews.
- Finalists are evaluated using the Indiana Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year scoring rubric, interviews, recommendations and applications by the MVEF selection committee.
The district winners will be announced at the Mt. Vernon Black & Gold Gala on April 12, 2025, at the historic Indiana Roof Ballroom.
Celebrating Excellence
Each building winner will receive:
- Two complimentary tickets to the 2025 Black & Gold Gala.
- A custom engraved glass sculpture with their name and award inscription.
- A $500 cash award sponsored by the Ryan Fry Excellence in Education Fund, provided by Kevin and Jill Prefontaine.
- A total award package valued at nearly $1,000.
The district winners will receive an additional $1,500 cash award, further elevating the recognition of their accomplishments.
We will be awarding $10,000 to these deserving educators on April 12, 2025, thanks to the generosity of Kevin and Jill Prefontaine.
The Ryan Fry Excellence in Education Award
In 2018, Jill Prefontaine and her husband, Kevin, established the Ryan Fry Excellence in Education Award in memory of Jill’s brother, Ryan Fry. This award serves as a heartfelt tribute to Ryan’s legacy and the impact of exceptional educators. Annually, two $2,500 awards are presented to the Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year, recognizing their extraordinary dedication to education and service. Additionally, $500 is given to each building winner.
In her words, Jill created this honor to “combine the love that she has for her brother and great teachers.” Her father, Kenneth Fry, was also a treasured math teacher at Mt. Vernon Schools for 30 years, inspiring countless students with his passion for education.
Since its inception, this award has provided over $80,000 in support to educators and staff. Jill’s only “request” has been that recipients use the funds to create meaningful experiences for themselves or their families. “Educators give so much of themselves to enrich the lives of our students, and it’s important they invest back into their own well-being and joy,” shared Renee Oldham, MVEF Executive Director.
“Jill and Kevin’s generosity is unparalleled. Their enduring commitment to honoring education professionals reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of teaching and service,” added Renee.
The Cornerstone of MVEF’s Mission
“This program epitomizes the mission of the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation. By celebrating excellence, we not only honor remarkable individuals but also reinforce the critical role education plays in shaping the future of our community. Recognizing our outstanding educators and staff inspires everyone to reach new heights and strengthens the fabric of our schools.” – Renee Oldham, MVEF Executive Director
2025 Building Winners
Teacher of the Year (TOY)
- Administration/District-Wide: Drew Fountain
- Fortville Elementary School (FES): Madeline Seghers
- McCordsville Elementary School (MES): Tracy Tolliver
- Mt. Comfort Elementary School (MCS): Mackenzie Hatfield
- Mt. Vernon Middle School (MS): Deb Thomas
- Mt. Vernon High School (HS): Yi-Fan Lin
Staff Member of the Year (SOY)
- Administration/District-Wide: Melissa Montague
- Fortville Elementary School (FES): Waunita Unutoa
- McCordsville Elementary School (MES): Senaida Richwine
- Mt. Comfort Elementary School (MCE): Brittany Lenk
- Mt. Vernon Middle School (MS): Sarah Clarkson
- Mt. Vernon High School (HS): Tosh Mills
Join Us in Celebration
The Mt. Vernon Education Foundation is proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these inspiring individuals. Their dedication and passion for education are a source of pride for our entire community.
We invite you to join us at the 2025 Black & Gold Gala on April 12, 2025, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom to celebrate these distinguished honorees. Together, let us continue to build a legacy of excellence in education.
Tickets will become available in January 2025
For more details www.Mt.VernonFoundation.org