Hopkins High School Beth Ocar was named a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award winner by the National Society of High School Scholars.
Every year, members of the NSHSS are invited to nominate the educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career. The honor recognizes exemplary educators whose passion and devotion inspire their students to grow and develop as scholars, leaders and citizens.
Ocar was nominated by Hopkins High School senior Evelyn Feldman, who was in Ocar’s AP Literature class and served as her teacher’s assistant.
“I nominated her for so many reasons,” Feldman said. “She is a one-of-a-kind teacher, with a genuine passion for teaching. She is kind, forgiving, and truly knows and acts on what the students need.”
Feldman remembers when Ocar was reading papers to her in her role as the teacher’s assistant. Many of the papers lacked basic grammar, so Ocar completely changed her lesson plan for the next few classes to focus on grammar rules. The students learned what they needed and they were grateful for Ocar’s flexibility.
NSHSS President James W. Lewis said educators deserve the highest praise and appreciation.
“We hope to acknowledge and encourage the vital work of the teachers, counselors and administrators who are shaping the intellect and character of our young scholars,” Lewis said.