Greensburg, IN — Monday evening, Greensburg Rotary Club honored Nicole Batta, of Greensburg Community High School (GCHS), with its prestigious Educator of the Year Award at a dinner ceremony held at High Point Orchard. Batta has become the 32nd teacher in Greensburg and Decatur County to receive the honor.
Greensburg Rotarian and Educator of the Year Chairperson Alex Sefton said the award was being presented to a “very deserving recipient.” “She truly epitomizes Rotary’s idea of ‘Service Above Self,’” Sefton, a former GCHS Batta student said, “As a past student, I cannot say enough great things about her. She goes far above beyond the call of duty, but also someone who I have grown to consider a great friend.”
Batta stated, “Anyone looks good when surrounded with masterful teachers and it is my honor to be surrounded by the absolute best at Greensburg Community High school.” Presentation of the award includes a $600 stipend for the award recipient, a personal plaque for the winner, and a rotating plaque for the office of the school district noting the past winners as well as the current winner.
At Greensburg Community High School, Batta teaches several math courses including Algebra, Geometry, and Geometry Honors. She has served as a sponsor of the National Honor Society, Senior Class Sponsor, coordinator of the graduation ceremony, and a sponsor of the Gamer’s Club. In addition, Batta has sponsored two trips to Europe with GCHS students, served on the School Improvement Team, Student Learning Objectives approval team, and on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
The Greensburg Rotary Club accepts nominations for this award every year and with over 20 nominations this year, more than a quarter of them were for Nicole Batta. The winner was chosen by a committee consisting of Greensburg Rotary Club members. Recipients must be a full-time classroom teacher in any accredited Greensburg or Decatur County school, whether public, private, or parochial. Criteria includes: dedication to the teaching profession, ability to motivate students, image as a role model for students, and contributions to the educational community including professional honors or awards.
Greensburg Schools Superintendent Tom Hunter and GCHS Principal Grant Peters were also present at the ceremony and spoke highly of Nicole Batta.
