Three area educators to receive

Jim Blount History Educator Awards

March 31, 2006

Three area teachers are recipients of the second annual Jim Blount History Educator Awards. Andi Chizek of Monroe Elementary in Hamilton, Darlene Mahaney of Talawanda High School, and Matt Wendeln of Edgewood High School will receive their awards during a special dinner celebration Thursday, May 18, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Harry T. Wilks Conference Center.

The Award is named after Hamilton historian and former JournalNews editor Jim Blount. "No one has done more to promote the teaching of history generally, and the education of people about the history of Hamilton specifically, than Jim Blount. He has been and remains a wonderful asset and resource for all the people of the city," said Dr. Michael L. Carrafiello, Director of The Michael J. Colligan History Project. The Colligan Project of Miami University Hamilton, in association with the Hamilton Community Foundation, has established the Award in Mr. Blount's honor.

Selected from a pool of applicants from the Butler County area, Chizek, Mahaney, and Wendlen exemplify the commitment to and achievement in history education epitomized in Jim Blount’s life and career.

According to Carrafiello, “Chizek, Mahaney, and Wendeln. are recognized in their respective schools and throughout the district as unusually dedicated and successful teachers of history."

Chizek, who teaches sixth grade at Monroe Elementary, infuses her history lessons with energy and excitement. One nominator wrote, “If you happen to walk past her door you’re likely to see her students being romanced by history. Their minds and spirits are touched by all sorts of discoveries, stimulated by acting out historic events, engaging in debates, designing models, or sleuthing out clues to the past. Students are spurred to ask questions that beg for hypotheses or in-depth research.”

Mahaney, who teaches history at Talawanda High School, is “the consummate teacher,” according to a nominator. “She is professional, enthusiastic, committed to her students, scholarship, and dedicated to excellence in every aspect of her teaching responsibility.”

Wendeln, who teaches social studies at Edgewood High School, was fundamental in the development of Edgewood High School’s ninth grade social studies curriculum. One nominator wrote, “His work went beyond documenting objectives and tailoring words to meet state requirements. He created practical yet challenging activities that his colleagues use within their classrooms.”

The evening's event includes dinner and the awards presentation. Cost is $25 per person. To make a reservation, contact The Michael J. Colligan History Project at 785-3277.

The Michael J. Colligan History Project is a joint undertaking of Miami University Hamilton and the Hamilton Community Foundation