photo from VCSC

The Vincennes Community School Board met Monday night and recognized two educators with the Mickey and Ruth Kimberly “Good IDEA” Award while also approving several retirements across the district.

This year’s Good IDEA Award was presented to two co-recipients, B.J. Helderman and Amanda Johnston. The award is given during Disability Awareness Month and recognizes individuals who support students with disabilities.

School officials say Helderman is known for building strong relationships with students and families and continuing to encourage students even after they leave school. Johnston was recognized for her work teaching students with disabilities and for training peer tutors to assist students in her classroom.

The award honors the legacy of Mickey Kimberly, a Vincennes student with special needs. His mother, Ruth Kimberly, created the award to recognize individuals who support people with disabilities and promote inclusion in the community.

During the same meeting, the board also approved several retirements as part of its personnel report.

Six employees are retiring at the end of the school year. They include Lincoln High School teachers Janis Hert, David Hinkel, and Rene LaMontagna.

Khelia Brink, who has served as an art teacher in the district for more than three decades, is also retiring.

Two secretaries are also stepping down — Tina Hidde from Washington Learning Academy and Elizabeth Clinkenbeard from Vigo Elementary.

School officials say the retirees have served the Vincennes Community School Corporation in a variety of teaching, administrative, and support roles across the district.