Six Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) employees have been recognized with 2024 Lighthouse Awards by Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. Lighthouse Awards are given in recognition of an employee’s dedication and commitment to students. The glass award encourages the recipient to “Continue to be a beacon of light to those around you while guiding students toward reaching their full potential.”
Dr. Pollio personally delivered the awards to the winners at their schools on May 10th and 13th. Some of the schools held school-wide assemblies to celebrate the surprised recipients. Here are the winners, selected by JCPS judges, from more than 100 nominees:
Amel Benamraoui—Semple Elementary School
Benamraoui is a bilingual associate instructor (BAI) at Semple Elementary School who speaks Arabic and English and is working toward becoming a certified teacher. Her nominator called her the “embodiment of positivity” and said, “Ms. B, as she is known around Semple, is a kind, gentle, wise, and comforting soul at school. But don’t mistake those traits for lack of energy or dedication to students. I feel like every time I turn around she has another student or small group of students that she is helping progress in their English, social, and general academic skills.” The nomination letter praised Benamraoui for routinely stepping up to help guide families who are new to JCPS—often also new to the US—and earning their trust and respect through her “kindness, professionalism, and dedication to them.” “If I were new to the country, Ms. B is exactly the friendly face I would want to help my family navigate an entirely new school system,” her nominator said.
Brad Byrum—Olmsted Academy South
Byrum is the band teacher at Olmsted Academy South. His nominator said, “Mr. Byrum helps our students and our school shine brighter because of his positive energy, but more importantly because of how he encourages kids when they don’t believe in themselves. Without a doubt, Mr. Byrum is an asset to our school community and is an amazing Lighthouse leader.” Byrum organized the first Black History Concert at Olmsted South and has led his students’ competitions, concerts and field trips, celebrating their successes and pushing students to do their own fundraising for travel. “Our students trust Mr. Byrum to do what he says and he does not disappoint,” the nominator added.
Cammy Dennison—Phoenix School of Discovery
Dennison is the behavior coach at Phoenix School of Discovery. Working with students with emotional and behavior challenges, Dennison has “relentless passion to help students which is what makes her a lighthouse leader,” according to her nominator. She created a Calming Room as a refuge for students who are struggling and regularly has six to 10 students in her office for lunch, calling them her “Lunch Bunch.” These students find eating in the cafeteria difficult due to social or emotional challenges. The nominator added “When everyone else has given up on a student, she does not. She has limitless positivity.”
Major Martin Steimle—Jeffersontown High School
Major Steimle is the Senior Marine Instructor for the Marine Corps Junior ROTC program at Jeffersontown High School. He is the first staff to arrive at school in the morning and often the last to leave, according to his nominator. He attends after school functions multiple days a week, tutors students after school, and is a member of J-town’s SBDM council. According to his nominator, “Major Steimle is a spitfire.” He greets students when they get off the bus in the morning, calls out students’ birthdays (all kids sing) and supports all students in their extracurricular activities. One of the most talked about events of the school year is the Military Ball the Major coordinates each year. He is a “whiz at spreadsheets,” helping other staff members keep track of data and which students need interventions. “Major is definitely one of the leaders in the school building and a lighthouse leader,” according to his nominator.
Brittany Knipp—Johnson Traditional Middle School
Knipp is the 6th grade assistant principal at Johnson Traditional Middle School. Her nominators all praised Knipp’s relationships with the sixth graders, calling every one of them by their name. “Students know that she will always hold them accountable but will do so with a hug and a smile,” said one nominator. Another said students “always talk about going to Ms. Knipp to vent” because they trust her. She is often the first one to arrive at Johnson, usually by 5:45 a.m. and routinely and willingly fills in on lunch duty or in classrooms when needed. As one nominator wrote “She is, hands down, THE guiding light of Johnson Traditional Middle School with no one who can match the relationships and strength she brings.”
Chelsea Barth—Gutermuth Elementary School
Barth is the mental health practitioner at Gutermuth Elementary School. She’s known for bringing a positive light to both students and staff. One of her nominators wrote that “She sets a powerful example for students, demonstrating the importance of responsibility, accountability, and perseverance in both academic and personal endeavors.” Barth helps guide students who are struggling and helps them on a path to success. Another nominator said, “She gives them special names the kids love such as “Kodi Cool” and “Lincoln Log” and I have not met a child in this school who is not drawn to her positive energy and kind heart.” By celebrating the successes of others, a nominator wrote, “Chelsea fosters a culture of mutual respect and camaraderie among staff members.” Barth is recognized as a well-prepared professional who serves as a role model for her co-workers and students alike.
By Mark Hebert and Juliann Morris