Teachers Eddra Phillips and LaDera N Hill were honored last night at the Hope Rotary Club’s 2023 Teacher Appreciation Banquet at Hempstead Hall. Each year the Hope Rotary Club honors two outstanding educators as Teacher of the Year: one representing primary grades (K-6) and one representing secondary grades (7-12). “The honorees this year wholeheartedly display Rotary’s motto of ‘service above self,’” Rotary President Wendy Jones said. “The Hope Rotary Club chooses to further educational excellence in our area, and these two educators perfectly fulfill this mission.”
Eddra Phillips, a teacher a Yerger Middle School was described by Principal Mike Radebaugh as willing to do anything. Making baby blankets, teaching a different language along with baseball fundraisers for cancer. "In our East program, on her first year, there were a four thousand students up there and one hundred and fifty students that were picked as Difference Makers,' Radebaugh said. He went on to speak about Phillips bright smile and cheerful attitude throughout her career and how fortunate the district is to have her.
La Dera N Phillips was honored next by Principal of HAPS, Dr Carol Ann Duke. "La Dera and I started HAPS with a chair and a key to the front door. Since the very beginning La Dera has embodied everything that has grown out of HAPS. She teaches 5th and 6th grade math which is a challenge unto itself because no 5th grader comes into our building or the BHE building ready for 5th grade math. La Dera loves them up, sures them up and everyday at the end of class they say, I am great, I am kind and I do great things."
Superintendent of Hope Public Schools, Jonathan Crossley spoke about the honorees and the wonderful things happening all across Hope Public Schools District. "These two are just wonderful examples of the people that make things happen. Speaking of Philips, the moment I walked into her classroom the first thing I noticed was the student engagement was palpable, students want to be there, it's clear that you want to be there and the students just gravitate to your energy and your positivity. They absolutely know that you believe in them. Thank you for what you do. Secondly, Eddra, you have bugged me all year long but that just shows your tenacity. You are a fantastic leader of students and adults. She is going to the next level with the East program, making baby blankets for newborns in Hempstead County and so much more. I am so proud of her."
