Celebrating Our 2025 Diamond Educator Award Winners

The Northern Cincinnati Foundation, in partnership with Lakota Local Schools and Phelan Insurance Agency, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 “Lakota Diamond Educator Awards.” This year's nominees include: 

• Elementary (PreK-6) Teacher Winner: Beth Bonin (Third Grade Teacher, Freedom Elementary School)
• Secondary (7-12) Teacher Winner: Stacey Lane (Biology Teacher, Lakota East High School)
• Support Staff Winner: Jennifer Russell (Counselor, Creekside Early Childhood School)
• Administrator Winner: Traci Stubenrauch (Assistant Principal, Wyandot Early Childhood School)

Each recipient was honored with a special surprise celebration during “Teacher Appreciation Week” and within their respective school communities among their family, colleagues, students and others nominated them. 

"We had an impressive slate of nominees for this year's top educator awards. Between this and the 400-plus nominations we received for Gem Awards this year, it never ceases to amaze me just how bright our staff shine and to what lengths they will go to make a difference for our students," said Lakota Superintendent Ashley Whitely. 

“The Northern Cincinnati Foundation is proud to partner with Lakota Schools and Phelan Insurance to honor outstanding educators at Lakota,” said Northern Cincinnati Foundation President & CEO Erin Satzger. “Dedicated teachers and staff not only uplift students, but they also help create a strong school system and a vibrant community where everyone benefits.”

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Meet Lakota's 2025 Diamond Educators

PreK-6 Teacher Winner: Beth Bonin

Freedom Elementary third grade teacher Beth Bonin, who is retiring this year after nearly 25 years at Freedom, was celebrated for her dedication to her students, her passion for teaching and her unwavering commitment to fostering a love of reading. In fact, one of Beth's favorite phrases was noted repeatedly in her nomination letters: "Reading is a joy, not a job!"

Beth's classroom was referred to as a "sanctuary" and her love for reading as "legendary." One colleague wrote, "Beth poured her heart and soul into each and every one of her students. Every child feels seen, heard and valued." Another referred to the fact that Beth's favorite author, Kate DiCamillo, often becomes a favorite for her students. "Beth treats reading as a magical gift that we can give ourselves daily, and by the end of the school year, almost every child is convinced of the wondrous powers of reading." 

Beth was also applauded for her creative instructional approaches, such as interactive learning stations and student-led discussions. She was called a team player for her willingness to share her expertise and support her colleagues, especially new teachers. She has served as a grade-level chairperson, been on curriculum adoption teams, and is a consistent voice within Freedom's Building Leadership Team and the Freedom Pride Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support (PBIS) Team.

Watch Beth's reaction to her surprise recognition.

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7-12 Teacher Winner: Stacey Lane

Lakota East biology teacher Stacey Lane, a 20-year veteran who earned the "Cut Above the Rest" Gem Award earlier this year, was selected for the qualities that she exhibits from the remaining five gems awarded to Lakota staff. 

Most notable was Stacey's innovative spirit. Letters from her colleagues and students noted the way she has revolutionized the traditional learning environment through her implementation of a personalized learning model that allows students to take control of their learning. She even embraced a co-teaching model this year to improve her students' experience and mentor another teacher interested in the unique teaching strategies she is using in her classroom. "Stacey chose to work with me knowing that her autonomy would be gone all to find what best fits the students’ needs," wrote her colleague. 

Based on the multiple student letters received, Stacey is clearly known for creating a supportive, fun and positive classroom atmosphere. She was described as always being available to help her students - even socially and emotionally if it means clearing the way for a better academic experience. "She brings an energy into our school that makes learning exciting and our hallways brighter," wrote one student. "But what truly sets Mrs. Lane apart is her unwavering belief in every student's potential. It is clear every single day that she doesn't step into our school for a paycheck - she steps in with purpose, joy and deep compassion for her students." 

Watch Stacey's reaction to her surprise recognition.

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Support Staff Winner: Jennifer Russell

Creekside Early Childhood School Counselor Jennifer Russell was surprised with the news of her award with a school assembly complete with handmade signs of love and compassion from her Creekside Cubs. After 18 years serving the same school, Jen was celebrated for her unique ability to support students, build community and pour positivity into the school. 

"Jen's positivity and passion for our students is contagious," wrote one colleague. "She keeps our students' needs at the center of everything we do." Noted repeatedly was her skillful approach to engaging families, creating relationships, building trust and empowering students to take control of their actions and emotions on a daily basis. She was applauded for the lasting impact that programs like Creekside's daily mindfulness tips on morning announcements, Character Team and Big Cubs, Little Cubs have on students during such formative years of their educational journeys. 

"She approaches each individual with kindness and empathy, making it easy for students to confide in her," wrote another colleague. "This trust is essential to helping students feel valued and understood, boosting their confidence and well-being." She was applauded for "leaving her Russell sparkle everywhere she goes" and using her "real live Mary Poppins bag" of tools and strategies to give students just what they need to be successful.  

Watch Jen's reaction to her surprise recognition. 

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Administrator Winner: Traci Stubenrauch

Wyandot Early Childhood School Assistant Principal Traci Stubenrauch was celebrated for the impact she's made in just two years in her role. A deep pile of nomination letters poured in not just from her colleagues and parents, but lots of students too. Every letter reinforced Traci's remarkable talent for creating an environment where every child feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

"Traci embodies the core principles of child-centeredness, always placing the well-being and development of her students at the forefront of her work," wrote one staff member. She was applauded for her ability to drive a positive culture built on teamwork and her strategic approach to problem-solving and establishing programs that are set up for success. Colleagues and parents, alike, repeatedly called out Traci's ability to advocate for students and work alongside teachers to evaluate student progress and make adjustments, where needed. 

She was also called a "master communicator" for her ability to help drive change through collaboration. It was noted that she provides just the right amount of direction and support for the best possible outcomes. "Traci leads by example, demonstrating that a positive attitude can transform any situation. Her leadership fosters an atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to succeed," wrote a colleague. 

Watch Traci's reaction to her surprise recognition.

 

View the complete Facebook photo gallery that captures their surprise reactions. 

In addition to the 2025 Diamond Educator Award recipients, the following Lakota staff members were nominated for the award:

Elementary Finalists (PreK-6)

• Dawn Higdon (Endeavor Elementary)
• Beth Morgan (Cherokee Elementary)
• Rhiannon Wilson (Liberty ECS)

Secondary Finalists (7–12)

• Kim Eldridge (Lakota West)
• Dakota Salyer (Plains Junior)

Support Staff Finalists

• Jennifer Elliott (Shawnee ECS)
• Trina Moore (Endeavor Elementary)

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About the Lakota Diamond Educator Award

Formerly known as the “Lakota Educator of Excellence Award,” the new name establishes a connection to Lakota’s new Lakota Gem Award, which celebrates outstanding staff all year long. Gem Award recipients were eligible to receive the top “Lakota Diamond Educator Award," but this was not a prerequisite. Rather, nominees were asked to exemplify all six facets, or categories, of the Lakota gems that the District awards on a monthly basis: 

• Sapphire of Student Support - Values strong relationships and the importance of meeting students' individual academic, social and emotional needs.
• Beacon of Positivity - Radiates positive energy and promotes a welcoming culture that celebrates and respects differences. 
• Brilliant Innovator - Uses creativity to create dynamic experiences for students and staff, solve problems and allocate available resources wisely.
• Polished Team Player - Embraces the power of community and collaboration to lift one another up and work together for the best possible results.
• Gem of Growth - A lifelong learner who values feedback and has a growth mindset for continuous professional improvement.
• A Cut Above the Rest - Shines in their area of expertise and goes above and beyond in their daily work.

“The Northern Cincinnati Foundation is proud to partner with Lakota Schools and Phelan Insurance to honor outstanding educators at Lakota,” said Northern Cincinnati Foundation President & CEO Erin Satzger. “Dedicated teachers and staff not only uplift students, but they also help create a strong school system and a vibrant community where everyone benefits.”

Outstanding educators could be nominated to receive this honor by students, colleagues, parents or any community member who wishes to acknowledge an educator’s exceptional effort during the last school year. Like Lakota’s Gem Award, nominees were not limited to classroom teachers and could include any administrator or support staff member. 

Two monetary awards, made possible by the generous sponsorship from Phelan Insurance Agency, are presented each year: one to a teacher from the elementary level (PreK-6) and another to a teacher from the secondary level (7-12). These winners receive a $1,000 grant to be used for a special project at their school. 

The third and fourth non-monetary awards are presented to a Lakota administrator and support staff member who has shown extraordinary commitment to the students and teachers of Lakota Local Schools.

All nominations were required to include at least two additional support letters in addition to the one submitted by the person filling out the nomination form. Winners are chosen by a committee of representatives from Lakota Local Schools and the Northern Cincinnati Foundation.  

The original “Lakota Educator of Excellence Award” was established in 2007 to recognize educators in the Lakota School District who demonstrate consistency and high commitment to students. These individuals motivate, share ideas, inspire, support, create and go above and beyond to make a difference in their school community and the Lakota District.