Columbia Union Announces 2025 Educators of the Year

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

The Columbia Union Conference Office of Education recently recognized five educators with the Outstanding Educator of the Year award.

“Our outstanding educators have touched hearts and transformed lives this past year,” says Ruth Nino, associate director for elementary education at the Columbia Union. “Their nurturing faith shaped the spiritual, emotional and character development of their students in meaningful and lasting ways. With grace and dedication, they modeled Christ-centered leadership, created inclusive and compassionate classrooms, and inspired a love for service, integrity and lifelong learning—hallmarks of Adventist education.” 

Nino, who oversaw the awards this year, adds, “What makes this year’s recipients truly shine is how they went above and beyond. They embraced creativity in teaching, built deep and trusting relationships with their students, and showed unwavering commitment—even in the face of challenges. Whether through mentoring, community outreach or integrating faith into daily learning, each of these educators embodies the stated mission of Adventist education in the North American Division:

      To provide opportunity for students to accept Christ as their Savior, to allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives, and to fulfill the commission of preaching the gospel to all the world. To develop the ‘whole person’ concept in each student, educate them to accept service as a way of life, to be sensitive to the needs of people at home and in society, and to become active members in the Church.”

The following are the five educators who were awarded for their outstanding service:

Administrator: Kim Myers, principal and grades 1–4 teacher at Ohio Conference’s Mount Vernon Elementary School

“My educational philosophy is creating and supporting a school environment where every student feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or challenges. Every child in our school is a child of God with their own unique qualities that make them special,” says Myers.

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Educator: Deborah Robinson, Pre-K and kindergarten teacher at Allegheny East Conference’s Baltimore Junior Academy

“My professional philosophy infuses that each child is a precious creation of God with inherent worth and potential. I believe in creating a nurturing Christian environment that supports each child's physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual needs in a developmentally appropriate and child-centered manner,” says Robinson.

Elementary Educator: Stacy Blanzy, a middle school teacher at Mountain View Conference’s Highland Adventist School in Elkins, W.Va.

“I believe whole-heartedly in Jesus being our best Friend. This is something I strive very hard to instill in my students and reflect to my coworkers and community. Practically speaking, my students and I, together, read the Bible every single day,” says Blanzy.

Secondary Education: Paty Serrano, STEM coordinator and science teacher at Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville Adventist Academy (Md.)

“My mission as an educator is to inspire, support and equip my students to be successful in the field they are called to serve in. I believe that all students deserve the best Christ-centered education, and because of that, I strive to be the best teacher I can be for my students,” says Serano.

New Educator: Nick Lawrence, social studies teacher from Spencerville Adventist Academy

“My educational philosophy is to create a classroom environment that fosters learning and builds meaningful connections. History is often portrayed as a mundane subject stockpiled of endless facts. To challenge this stereotype, I emphasize the importance of historical events using primary documents, videos and interactive activities,” says Lawrence.