2020 Green-Orr Award Winners Announced

General

8/5/2020

Congratulations to Carlee Van Duzer and Tucker Blackmon, the 2020 Green-Orr Award recipients!

Congratulations to Carlee Van Duzer and Tucker Blackmon, the 2020 Green-Orr Award recipients!

Since 2005, one Lower and one or two Middle/Upper School teachers have been recognized for excellence in their field with the Green-Orr Award. The award helps celebrate the achievements of our faculty and honors the memory of Juanita and Charles Green and Harry Orr, parents of Peggy and Charlie Green. Presented annually during the opening days for faculty and staff before the first day of school, the 2020 Green-Orr Award was presented to Carlee Van Duzer, the music teacher in the Lower School, and Tucker Blackmon, a Upper School english teacher.

Ms. Van Duzer and Mr. Blackmon were selected for the award through a vote by fellow faculty members. Criteria for the award includes showing clear evidence and consistent support and advancement of Westminster's mission; demonstrating significant impact on students through regular contact via teaching, coaching, and/or mentoring; providing a positive Christian role model; and having completed at least five years on the faculty at Westminster.

The following are comments by Westminster Head of School, Brian Case as he presented the award.

Carlee Van Duzer

Our first recipient brings joy to all of our Westminster community. In the LS she works with every student as she instills a love for the Lord and music. She shares this love not only with the entire Westminster community during Friday morning chapels, but also through her music programs that students share with our families. In her classroom, Carlee teaches with excellence. She is constantly trying new things to make her classroom even more engaging. If you have the opportunity to sit in on one of her classes, it is not unusual to see her skipping, dancing, singing, often all at the same time! She incorporates age appropriate instruction, such as finding puppets to use with our littlest learners in PK, allowing our active students to move throughout an entire class period. Carlee is a wonderful teacher, and also a lifelong learner. While continually improving our music program, she is also furthering her own knowledge by getting her masters degree. Anyone who has pursued an advanced degree understands the time and commitment required. Now imagine producing a Christmas concert, with rehearsals and props, during exams and paper deadlines. Carlee does it all, with dedication and joy. Additionally, Carlee also takes her love for music abroad, as she plans international tours of music. Her ability to think outside the box allowed many Westminster families to immerse themselves into the beautiful sounds of Central Europe last summer. The Lower School is a better place because of Carlee's enthusiasm and energy. Congratulations to the newly engaged, Carlee Van Duzer!

Tucker Blackmon

Our second recipient has inspired students in the Upper School for the last five years with his infectious love of literature, writing, music, and soccer. As an English teacher, Tucker Blackmon consistently strives to find new and interesting ways to reach his students and help them grow. Every day in his class is different, full of stories, laughter, and boundless energy. Tucker helps his students reach their potential by drawing on their strengths and interests. He connects every piece of literature back to the Gospel, challenging his students to think critically through the lens of a Christian worldview. As a soccer coach, Tucker shows his players how to work together as a team while also enjoying the game. Perhaps what makes Tucker so effective both in the classroom and on the soccer field is his priority of building relationships with his students first, always letting them know how much he loves them, no matter what. He takes the time to get to know each student, consistently showing the Gospel through his actions and love toward them. As one colleague shared: "Every child that comes into his classroom cannot leave without having heard that they are loved". Tucker is also an outstanding and supportive colleague, always ready to help out in a myriad of ways. He is a lifelong learner, setting goals for himself both personally and professionally to become better at what he does. Tucker is passionate in all of his pursuits, and students, parents, and colleagues have been blessed by his many talents and his love of the Lord. Congratulations to Tucker Blackmon!