The Bainbridge Island Kiwanis Club is now soliciting nominations for its annual “Educator of the Year” program.

The selection committee will be looking for educators who have made extraordinary efforts toward improving the education of Bainbridge Island children.

Program organizers note that education will be viewed in the broadest sense, and a project that teaches the values of community service can be just as educational as one that improves math skills.

Candidates for the award must be associated with an accredited educational organization, and nominations will be accepted from anyone in the community, including students, parents, fellow educators, and school administrators.

Nomination forms can be obtained from school administrators and parent organizations, or by emailing Elizabeth Ozimek, Bainbridge Island Kiwanis Club, at Elizabeth@buckleyrealestate.com.

Nominations must be received no later than May 15.

The award will include a $500 check to the honoree, and an additional $500 to their school.

Past winners include Charissa Moore (Bainbridge High School) in 2018; Mark Derzon (The Island School) in 2017; Leslie Mirkovich (Captain Johnston Blakely Elementary) in 2016; and Enrique Chee, (Bainbridge High) in 2015.

Kiwanis is dedicated to “serving the children of the world,” and the club recognizes education as a critical part of that mission. The Bainbridge Island Kiwanis Club greatly values the excellent efforts of local schools and teachers, and believes it important to honor those efforts. The annual Educator of the Year award gives Kiwanis, and the community as a whole, the opportunity to show its appreciation, not just for exceptional individuals, but for the teaching profession.