Vicki Murphy
Two private school teachers are being honored for their work.
Vicki Murphy from White Creek Lutheran and Whitney King from ABC-Stewart have been named the 2022 Reams Family Awards for Excellence in Teaching winners.
The Reams Family Awards are administered by the Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. The awards were established in 2007 by former Bartholomew County residents Fred and Karen Reams and recognize “outstanding educators teaching in the private schools serving Bartholomew County.”
Recipients are nominated by their principals, with additional recommendations encouraged from peers, parents and students. The awards come with a cash stipend. For first-place recipient Murphy, this is $5,000; for King, it is $4,000.
Murphy is a seventh and eighth grade teacher at White Creek and is in her 10th year as an educator. She said she is “honored and humbled” to receive this recognition.
“Six years ago I found out that I had throat cancer and would need a voice prosthesis to talk. I thought my teaching career would be over, but my doctor, principal, and co-workers believed in me,” said Murphy. “The process actually made me a more patient, caring teacher.”
According to the Heritage Fund, Murphy was nominated for her dedication and creativity and is credited with uniting the student body and teaching staff by including all grade levels in school-wide STEM experiences and projects.
“Mrs. Murphy sets a wonderful example for her students in dedication, perseverance and compassion,” wrote Principal Whitney Vandercar in her nomination. “She has committed herself to lifelong learning and professional growth.”
King teaches in a classroom where students range from 3- to 6-years-old. She has been teaching for almost eight years. This includes three years at ABC-Stewart, where she has been called an essential part of the success of the school’s preschool program.
“Ms. King shows grace, calmness, caring and passion in the classroom each day,” wrote Director Stefanie Stafford in her nomination. “She understands the child’s natural desire for order and knowledge. She gives each one of her students this gift of education, independence and responsibility daily.”
King said receiving the award has motivated her to keep working toward becoming a certified American Montessori Society guide.
“Reading through the letters from those that nominated me was heart-warming,” she said. “I have always felt supported and appreciated, but this was such a special surprise.”
