Nominations Open: April 16 – May 14, 2026

Nomination Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Award Presentation: Winners will be announced at the August 2026 Convocation.

A note about eligibility:
Nominations remain active for five (5) years, provided the nominee remains eligible (e.g. has not already won the award or left the district). New nominations for previously nominated staff members will be added to their existing file for consideration.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Staff Person of the Year Award seeks to recognize excellent staff who play a vital role in education for Xenia Community Schools students.

• Eligible positions include: administrative assistants, cafeteria staff, custodians, maintenance and grounds staff, nurses, paraprofessionals, related services staff including mental health therapists and school psychologists, school resource officer, secretaries, technology staff, therapists, and transportation staff. Employees hired by contractors of the district are eligible for this award. Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, and Coordinators are not eligible.
• Must have been employed in the district for at least two years.
• Must be returning for the following school year.
• A nominee of this award should be of high character, be dedicated to their profession, and continually seek ways to positively improve the culture of their building and/or department.
• Must not have received the award within the past five (5) years.

NOMINATION CHECKLIST
A 200-word biography written to highlight the nominee’s work history, honors received and/or other significant achievements.

• A minimum 300-word description explaining how the nominee meets at minimum one of the following criteria:
• Demonstrates quality and consistency in their work.
• Seeks new knowledge and skills.
• Utilizes technology where appropriate.
• Fosters cooperative relationships with students, colleagues, and the community.
• Demonstrates outstanding leadership and innovation.
• Is respected by their co-workers.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and has a positive effect on others.
• Excels in other ways that define this person as an outstanding employee.  

Preferred but not required: one to four statements of support, one of which must be from a colleague or administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS 
The Educator of the Year Award seeks to recognize excellence, encourage creative and quality instruction, and contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education of Xenia Community Schools students.

• Eligible positions: counselors, librarians, teachers
• Must hold the appropriate certification/license for their position.
• Must be returning for the following school year.
• Must have been employed by the district for at least two years.
• A nominee of this award should be of high character, be dedicated to their profession, and continually seek ways to improve student achievement.
• Must not have received this award within the past five (5) years.

NOMINATION CHECKLIST
A 200-word biography written to highlight the nominee’s work history, educational background, honors received and/or other significant achievements. 

A minimum 500-word description explaining how the nominee meets at minimum one of the following criteria:

• Instills in students a desire to learn and achieve.
• Understands the individual needs of students, encourages their talents, and fosters their self-esteem.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of subject matter and the ability to share it effectively with students
• Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success.
• Demonstrates outstanding leadership and innovation,
• Actively works to improve their own skill sets and knowledge to meet current standards.
• Excels in other ways that define this person as an outstanding educator.  

Preferred but not required: one to four statements of support, one of which must be from a professional educator.