The Kiwanis Club of Bainbridge Island recently selected Eagle Harbor High School teacher Denise Corso as the 2019 Educator of the Year.

Corso was nominated by the Eagle Harbor High School Parent-Teacher-Student Organization, and parents of students she taught. Her candidacy was also enthusiastically supported by Commodore Options School Principal Tricia Corsetti.

Nomination letters cited the caring, challenging, and innovative ways that Corso uses to engage students, parents, and volunteers in creating “an environment where students can feel at ease and learn.”

She goes far beyond her basic teaching duties, nominators said, and has organized numerous activities beyond the classroom, notably including a student Tech Team. Students are given opportunities for relevant field trips, mentoring other students, and learning skills that lead to computer tech A+ Certification.

Going beyond a basic job description is surprisingly common among the many dedicated and talented educators in our island’s excellent schools, Kiwanis officials said, citing the many nominations received by the club each year are testament to that fact.

What reportedly separated this year’s honoree in the eyes of the Kiwanis Board of Directors were the poignant descriptions of the effects Corso has had on particular students. Her influence can be characterized as not just life changing — but life saving. Her abilities to turn around students who struggled in a conventional academic setting were described as “magical” and “nothing short of amazing.”

Corso, when informed of the award, was eager to deflect credit. She attributed positive results to the students themselves. “They are the ones making the changes. I’m just along for the ride — but I do enjoy watching them discover themselves.”

The testimony of her supporters proves that Corso does much more than just watch, however. Her active “help and support – academically, socially, and emotionally,” one nominator said, set her apart as an exceptional example of the Bainbridge Island educators who work diligently and tirelessly to care for and nurture our children.

The award, which includes $500 checks to both Corso and Eagle Harbor High School, will be presented at 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 26 at a Kiwanis meeting at the Boys & Girls Club (9453 Coppertop Loop).

Friends and supporters are encouraged to join the celebration and continental breakfast (call 206-201-3130 to RSVP).