Samantha Dostall successfully nominates inspiring high school teacher for James Thomas Award at Baldwin Wallace University

2017 Apr 26

Samantha Dostall of Oberlin is one of four Baldwin Wallace University graduating seniors who submitted a winning hometown educator nomination for the 2017 James Thomas High School Teacher Award. Dostall, a graduate of Firelands High School majoring in education with a focus on mild/moderate educational needs, nominated Diane Zimmer to receive the award honoring teachers who engaged, inspired and encouraged them while preparing them for college.

The graduating BW seniors reflected back on their high school years to nominate motivating high school educators. Dostall said in her nomination, "Mrs. Zimmer supported my peers and me in many ways over the years, in high school and beyond. She knew of my love for teaching and helped foster it by giving me opportunities to explore it. She helped us follow our dreams and was willing to go the extra distance to help us achieve them."

The James Thomas High School Teacher Award is funded by BW alumnus and trustee James Thomas, chairman and CEO of Thomas Properties Group LLC. It recognizes that success in college builds upon the inspirational influence that high school teachers have on their students. Mr. Thomas says, "There were teachers who helped shape my life and inspired me to understand the great joy of learning." Before students arrive at BW, they are not only prepared academically, they are also nurtured, encouraged, engaged and inspired by dedicated teachers. This award celebrates the commitment and dedication of those teachers. Each of the recipients receives an honorarium of $1,000 at BW's Celebration of Outstanding Educators.