Rachel Blackwood, a science teacher at Holmes Middle School, was recently honored as a finalist for the Gold Star Chili Teacher Award.
Gold Star and the school held a surprise ceremony for Blackwood and her students on Feb. 15. Gold Star Chili named Holmes as one of 10 finalists out of 800 nominations, according to communications from the school district.
Blackwood began working at Holmes Middle School in 2008. She started out as an instructional assistant before going back to school in 2012. She’s been working as a full-time teacher at Holmes since 2019.
Teachers are nominated for Gold Star’s award by either parents or colleagues for their ability to “go above and beyond for their students,” said Sarah McGough of Gold Star Chili in a release from Covington Schools.
Members of the public will cast votes for the winner of the contest, which will be announced in April. The winner will receive a $1000 grant for their classroom and a $500 donation for their school district. They will also receive a Gold Star Chili-themed gift basket and up to 30 tickets to see a performance at the Children’s Theater of Cincinnati.
To learn more about the award and see how to vote for Mrs. Blackwood or any of the other candidates, visit Gold Star’s website.
