Central looks to recognize members that go above and beyond for the Association each year at the RA in April.

We need your help in nominating members. Below is a list of Central Awards.

Outstanding Local Grassroots Activist

The Outstanding Local Grassroots Activist Award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to their Local Association and fellow members at the building or site level. In order to receive the award, an individual must be nominated by a Local Association. This award is open to any local representative not serving as an elected officer and who is not a Central or OEA committee member. Awards will be presented at the Central OEA/NEA Representative Assembly. The winner does not have to be a delegate to receive the award. Nominations must be received by January 31.

The Outstanding Education Advocate

The Outstanding Education Advocate Award recognizes the contributions of individuals and groups who have demonstrated exemplary advocacy for public education. In order to receive the award, an individual or a group can be nominated by a local leader or Central Executive Board member. This award is open to any Central member. Strong consideration would be given to award nominees who have participated in the following: lobbying efforts, educational fundraisers, levy & bond issues, local board races, pro-public educations group activities, and organizing activities (not an exclusive list). Awards will be presented at the Central OEA/NEA Representative Assembly. The winner does not have to be a delegate to receive the award. Nominations must be received by January 31.

Distinguished Local Leader Award

The Distinguished Local Leader Award recognizes the contributions of members who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in promoting the mission and/or vision of their local association. In order to receive the award, an individual can be nominated by a local officer or Central Executive Board member. This award is open to any Central member. Strong consideration would be given to award nominees who have had a profound impact on their local association as a whole. Awards will be presented at the Central OEA/NEA Representative Assembly. The winner does not have to be a delegate to receive the award. Nominations must be received by January 31.

Download one of the nomination forms here.

OEA Awards Each year OEA recognizes outstanding members and locals at their awards dinner in the spring. The applications for those awards are available on the OEA website and the nominations period opens in late November and closes the Friday of Martin Luther King Jr. week.

For more information about OEA Awards visit https://www.ohea.org/resources/scholarships-and-awards/

Awards Committee Members:

Denise Hermetz (Northwestern EA), Chair and Executive Board Liaison
Paige Harding (Gahanna EA)
Patricia Naeem (Groveport Madison EA)
Tiffany Thomas (Hilliard EA)
Mary Binegar (OEA-R)
Molly Wassmuth (Westerville EA)
April Bragg (Reynoldsburg EA)
Danielle Viars-Navin (Delaware City EA)
Molly Wagenknecht (Springfield EA- Clark)
Kim Cooper (Reynoldsburg EA)
Emma Hayford (Whitehall EA)
Gretchen Hersey (Newark TA)
Luke Horn (Licking Heights EA)
Jillian Kalb (Hilliard EA)
Russell Hughlock – Staff Liaison