Excellence in Teaching Award Expands to $7,500, Adding $2,500 to Benefit Students UPDATE

Listen to an interview with Mac Whitlow and Melissa Delaet.

HALL COUNTY, NE — Nominations open September 1 for the 2026 Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award, which will provide $7,500 in recognition of an outstanding Hall County educator—including a new $2,500 award designated for the recipient’s students and classroom.
 
The selected educator will continue to receive a $5,000 award and, beginning this year, will also receive $2,500 in classroom funding to create opportunities for students or meet needs within the classroom.
 
“Over the years, we’ve seen many recipients use part of their award to support their students,” said Melissa DeLaet, CEO of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. “Kim wanted to honor that generosity by adding $2,500 specifically for the recipient to invest in their students and classroom, while preserving the full $5,000 award as a celebration of the educator.”
 
That same spirit of generosity can be seen in classrooms throughout Hall County.
 
“Educators are philanthropists in their own way,” said Selena Lukasiewicz, principal of Walnut Middle School. “We give our time, energy, and care, investing every day in students who will shape the future of our community.”
 
Created in honor of Kim West Dinsdale, a passionate champion for education, the award recognizes Hall County teachers and counselors who inspire, lead with heart, and make a lasting impact on their students and community. Now in its 21st year, the program has honored 24 educators from public and private schools across Hall County.
 
“Great educators do far more than teach lessons,” Lukasiewicz said. “They help students recognize their potential, encourage them to believe in themselves, and shape the future of our community. This award allows us to celebrate that commitment while giving the recipient new resources to make an even greater difference for students.”
 
Nominations will be accepted September 1 through October 2, 2026. Any student, parent, or community member may nominate an outstanding Pre-K–12 teacher or counselor from a public or private school in Hall County.
“We know there are extraordinary educators throughout Hall County whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom,” DeLaet said. “We encourage students, parents, colleagues, and community members to help us recognize them by sharing their stories.”
 
To learn more and submit a nomination, visit www.gicf.org beginning September 1. For more information, contact the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation at 308-381-7767.
 
 
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About the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation
The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation was established in 1960 to empower people to turn their passion into purpose by creating legacies that strengthen the future of the communities we serve. Accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the Foundation manages over $40 million in assets and has helped establish hundreds of charitable funds over the past 65 years. The Foundation serves hundreds of donors annually through individual, family, and corporate legacy funds. Stay updated on the latest happenings at the Foundation on Facebook and other major social media platforms, as well as by subscribing to the newsletter. The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is located at 1503 W 2nd Street, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801.