2025 Excellence in Teaching Award Winner

Caitlin Stump, Grand Island Central Catholic, Special Ed

Caitlin Stump, a special education teacher at Grand Island Central Catholic, is the 2025 recipient of the Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award. Serving students both at GICC and across Grand Island Public Schools, Caitlin brings extraordinary dedication, flexibility, and compassion to her work, meeting students where they are and advocating for their success every day. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Excellence in Teaching Award, this year’s recognition includes a $2,500 surprise grant, allowing Caitlin to extend her impact beyond the classroom by directing funding to Hall County nonprofits and school programs she cares deeply about.

Known for consistently going above and beyond, Caitlin creates inclusive opportunities that help students feel confident, supported, and seen—both in and beyond the classroom. Her nominators describe her as humble, deeply committed, and driven by a greater calling, with a lasting impact on students, families, and school culture throughout the community.

Past Recipients

• 2024: Jeff Vyhlidal, Northwest High School, Music
• 2023: Tammy Chohon, One-R Elementary School, Kindergarten
• 2022: Monika Peters, Grand Island Central Catholic, Music
• 2021: Diane Rouzee, Northwest High School, Accounting & Marketing
• 2020: Chuck DeWitt, Walnut Middle School, Math & Science
• 2019: Kelly Olesen, One-R Elementary School, Special Education
• 2019: Mary Teichmeier, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Preschool, Preschool Teacher
• 2018: Kay Carpenter, Centura Public Schools, Guidance Counselor
• 2017: Tracy Morrow, West Lawn Elementary, 4th and 5th-Grade Newcomers
• 2017: Cathy Howard, Grand Island Central Catholic, English/Journalism
• 2016: Wendy Heider, Trinity Lutheran School, 4th Grade
• 2015: Jerome Dubas, Grand Island Senior High, Art
• 2015: Kirk Ramsey, Barr Middle School, Guidance Counselor
• 2014: Nancy Chavez, Seedling Mile Elementary, 4th Grade
• 2013: Christa Speed, Grand Island Public Schools, Orchestra and Band
• 2012: Karen Gruener, Cedar Hollow School, 2nd Grade
• 2011: Tess Westover, Howard Elementary School, 2nd Grade
• 2010: Pat Kayl, Grand Island Central Catholic, Science
• 2009: Michella Honas, Grand Island Senior High School, Special Education
• 2008: David Sackschewsky, Grand Island Northwest High School, Music
• 2007: Mary Ann Richards, Walnut Middle School, Guidance Counselor
• 2006: Kay Janzen, Grand Island Central Catholic, Math
• 2005: Brandi Anderson, Grand Island Senior High School, ESL

Nominations open every fall. Please sign up for the GGICF newsletter for updates.