COLUMBUS, Ind. — Heritage Fund-The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County has introduced Bobbie K. Owens and E. Jean Jack as the winners of the 2016 Reams Family Award for Teaching Excellence. Each winner will receive a $4,000 award.
Bobbie K. Owens has been an art teacher at the ABC-Stewart School for the last 18 years. Peers recommended Owens because of his creativity and willingness to help students understand different cultures and people through art projects. Owens has shared the work of his students in various galleries in Columbus and Indianapolis. Owens initiated a project at the Indiana School for the Blind that challenged students to use senses other than sight. The project also raised money and awareness for Haitian families living in poverty.
E. Jean Jack has been an educator for 24 years, and the last four years have been spent as a second-grade teacher at White Creek Lutheran School. Jack was commended for bringing order and structure to the classroom. She is active in Bible study at St. John’s, and volunteers at Camp Lakeview. Recently, she attended the Lutheran Education Association national conference in Michigan.
Fred and Karen Reams created the Reams Family Award for Teaching Excellence 11 years ago to recognize outstanding educators serving private schools in Bartholomew County. Over the 11 years, more than $98,000 has been awarded to private school teachers.