Tompkins Trust Company and the Legacy Foundation announced Wednesday that three Tompkins County teachers were recognized with certificates and $500 for their outstanding efforts to improve education in their districts. This year's recipients are Jane George of Charles O. Dickerson High School, Sue Shults of Newfield Elementary School, and Marilynne Sommers of South Hill Elementary School.

Jane George was honored for her thoughtful infusion of diversity and advocacy for human rights into her instruction of high school English. She is also the advisor for 'Femtastics,' an extracurricularclub that promotesgender equality and supportssocial issuesin the schoolcommunity andin the larger Ithaca area. Ms. Georgenot only teaches student sthe skills needed to be better readers andwriters, she teachesthem tobe global thinkers andbetter citizens.


Sue Shults was honored for her 28 years of service to the district. A graduate of Newfield High School, Ms. Shults is the epitome of the term 'pillar in the community.'It is not uncommon for Sue to serve as her student's provider, counselor, or beacon of hope, inspiring them to do their very best. She has nurtured generations of learners who often come back to visit because she has made such an impact on their live.


Marilynne Sommers was honored for her 14 years of service as a social worker. She is the go-to person when a family is in need, and has worked hard to ensure that the South Hill community has access to things like transportation, health and mental health services. She organized the extended day program (offered to students who need help with reading and math), is the co-lead for South Hill's involvement in Cornell's Santa's Elves program, the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports coach, and serves as the Dignity for All Students Act coordinator, ensuring that all students are treated fairly.  Sommers helps run the food bank program, and works in classrooms with a program called Second Step, which helps students to understand their feelings and what to do with them.

Tompkins Trust Company established the Raymond Van Houtte Teacher Award in 1989 to honor the late Raymond Van Houtte, retired president of the Trust Company. The Trust Company honored him by creating a $25,000 endowment, with earnings on the endowment to be used to fund awards recognizing educators who have shown exceptional ability, effort, and results in improving primary and secondary education in Tompkins County. Since 1991, 88 educators have been recognized with certificates and monetary awards totaling over $43,000.Educators are nominated by individuals, principals, or district superintendents.

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