2023 Green-Orr Award Winners Announced

General

8/8/2023

Congratulations to Alyssa Morris, Christine Zhang, and Vivian Hornsby, the 2023 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, Sr. and Roberta and Harry Orr, Jr., parents of Peggy and Charlie Green. Presented annually during the opening days for faculty and staff before the first day of school, the 2023 Green-Orr Award was presented to Alyssa Morris, Art teacher in the Lower School, Christine Zhang, English and Bible teacher in the Middle School, and Vivian Hornsby, Upper School Art teacher and the Art Department chair.

Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Zhang, and Mrs. Hornsby 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.

Alyssa Morris

Alyssa Morris just started her sixth year as part of the Westminster Schools Lower School faculty. She has helped lead the art program with excellence and, in her humble way, makes everyone feel special, loved, and like an artist in training. Alyssa is loved by students, parents, and colleagues alike, and has a passion for the arts that drive her to enthusiasitcally promote and perfect her craft. Her peers had many positive comments to make when asked to offer their thoughts.

"When I think of Alyssa, I think of an educator with the biblical character strengths of humility, meekness, and gentleness. She never seeks attention and prefers to be in the background and let others shine, but we see her and all she does! I always think of Matthew 23:12 'Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.' She deserves to be recognized for all she does for the entire Westminster community."

"Alyssa has shown so much passion and enthusiasm for her work. She never seems in a bad mood and is always encouraging her students."

"What a fantastic year for Alyssa!! LS Art Extravagana and another beautiful mural. She has done so great with a humble spirit and she is a friend to everyone."

Christine Zhang

This is Christine's sixth year at Westminster. Christine teaches Middle School English, has lead the sixth grade outdoor classroom trip, and coordinated chapels and GAP groups. Christine has a passion for teaching English and loves lesson planning. She is quick to step in and help create special projects and events in the the Middle School. She is also the proud mother of twin boys. When asked about Christine, her peers had the following to say:

"Apart from meeting the requirements, the exuberant love for God's Word overflows in Mrs. Zhang's teaching."

"She has powerful leadership with the students and constantly gives amazing insights and creative thoughts in teacher gatherings. She works hard and gives so much of herself to this school and her family."

Vivian Hornsby

Vivian Hornsby has been at Westminster for almost 17 years, and has been instrumental in the development of the Fine Arts program to what it is today. Vivian serves as the Fine Arts Department chair and teaches Art in both Middle and Upper School. She started the National Art Honor Society in the Upper School, which helps to lead our students in service through the arts. Vivian has been a mentor to many teachers and is a model for excellent teaching. She assists with all programs of the fine arts, painting sets for the musical, making the campus beautiful with artwork, and partnering with parents in the Friends of Fine Arts. Vivian is passionate about using art in all forms to point students to the beauty seen in the world through the creativity of the Creator.

"Vivian always encourages students and helps them grow in their faith and develop their artistic talents."

"This is my second year in a row nominating Vivian Hornsby, and I would nominate her a million more years if I could. She really deserves this award. There are not enough words to express how much she means to me and the students. She's an incredible educator and an incredible human being."

"Vivian is an amazing teacher, as you can see from her students' artwork, and she invests so much in her students. I constantly see students coming to her room to hang out with her. She is also an amazing department chair and is so supportive of the fine arts faculty."