Resources » KHS Alumni Fund, Inc.

KHS Alumni Fund, Inc.

Rewarding educational excellence in the schools of Keene, New Hampshire
Good teaching is essential to the continued strength and vitality of our communities and of our nation. Outstanding and inspirational teachers and staff deserve tangible recognition for their essential contributions to society.
 
The KHS Alumni Fund, Inc. is the key to that recognition. The KHS Alumni Fund, Inc. was founded in May 1998 for the following purpose:
 
  • To annually recognize with substantial monetary awards one or more outstanding teacher or staff member at Keene High School.
  • To raise and invest a capital fund from which the awards can be made.
 
The nomination and selection process includes students, faculty, staff and support personnel. From this process is selected the KHS Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Each recipient receives an engraved crystal bowl and a financial award.
 
Outstanding Educator of the Year Crystal Bowl
 

History

In 1997, a committee of the Keene High School Class of 1950 met to come up with a special or unique presentation to KHS for the year 2000 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of their graduation. These classmates wanted something that would be lasting and remembered in years to come. Through much discussion and considerable input solicited from the entire class the idea emerged of honoring outstanding educators, those individuals currently in the field of education who are impacting the youth of the Keene community by setting high standards of excellence.

The KHS Alumni Fund, Inc. is chartered on behalf of all KHS alumni. All KHS alumni are encouraged to become members of the Fund and participate in its administration. The Fund also seeks the participation of any other individuals or groups not necessarily alumni of KHS. The Fund welcomes all those having the spirit and dedication to recognize an important community resource.
 

Past Outstanding Educator Award Winners

Susan Romano, a teacher of Science at Keene High School received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2024
 
Jessica Smith, a teacher of English at Keene High School received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2023
 
Suzanne Charles, a teacher of World Language at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2022
 
ALL KHS Teachers and Staff received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2021
 
Tracey Truncale, a teacher of Math at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2020
 
Scott Rogers, a teacher of Applied Science and Technology at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2019
 
Katelyn Schmidt, a teacher of World Language at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2018

Jennifer White, a teacher of Social Studies at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2017

Julia Imbarrato, a teacher of Science at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2016

Tom Martin, a teacher of Music at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2015

Megan DiRusso, a teacher of Mathematics at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2014

John Kersey, a teacher of English at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2013

Natalie Ahnert, a teacher of Mathematics at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2012

David Lybarger, a teacher of Science at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2011.

Patrick Lagace, a teacher of Business and Computer Science at Keene High School, received
the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2010.

Graham Gitchell, a teacher of Science at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2009.

Jonathan Perry, an English and American Studies teacher at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2008.

Irene Cheek, an English teacher at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2007.

Marshall Davenson, a science teacher at Keene High School, received the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2006.

Terry Mattson, department chair for the KHS Life Education Department, received the Outstanding Educator award for 2005.

Kelly Budd, an English teacher at Keene High School. She is also faculty advisor for the award-winning KHS yearbook and the Video Club productions. She received the Outstanding Educator award for 2004.

Tina McLaughlin, an English teacher at Keene High School, was the recipient of the 2003 award.

Cliff Lerner, 2002 award winner, is a teacher of honors and advanced placement biology and molecular genetics.

John Amstein,a teacher of physics at Keene High School, was the recipient of the 2002 award.

Barbara Ware, head of the Keene High School math department, was the first recipient of the award given by the KHS Alumni Fund, Inc.