Fabin wins city teaching award

WINCHESTER -- City school officials on Wednesday announced Janet Fabin as winner of the 2009 Stewart Bell Endowment for Excellence in Teaching Award.

Fabin, an art teacher at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary, received the award at the system's convocation.

Officials present the award "to a qualified professional ... who consistently demonstrates excellence in the field of public education," according to a press release. The winner receives a plaque and $4,000.

Fabin earned her bachelor of science in art education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The system hired Fabin in 1986. She has served with the Blue Ridge Fine Arts League, the Discovery Museum's education board and the Virginia Art Education Association's board.

Stewart Bell Jr. established the endowment in 1985 to honor his father, Stewart Bell Sr., who served on the School Board for 33 years.

The following people were honored as Quiet Heroes: Daniel Morgan Middle treasurer Beth Sitton, John Handley High teaching assistant Cookie Sullivan, Frederick Douglass Elementary guidance counselor Susan Catlett, John Kerr Elementary clerk Chiffon Armistead, Virginia Avenue school psychologist Debbie Brad, bus driver/aide Bonnie Elliott, Quarles Elementary teaching assistant Judy Cunningham, Douglas Community Learning Center custodian Barbara Holliday, lead elementary custodian Randy Dean, and system-wide custodian Thomas Carlisle.

-- Daily Staff Report