The Rotary Club of Northwest Des Moines recently celebrated a UCSD educator who exemplifies the Ken Lepley Memorial Hero in Education Award by demonstrating Service Above Self. On June 16, 2023, Olmsted Elementary English Learners (EL) Teacher, Alissa Morrison, was awarded the 2023 Ken Lepley Memorial Hero in Education Award. The Hero in Education Award is presented to an educator who has gone above and beyond the responsibilities of a professional educator. In the 11 years Ms. Morrison has been at UCSD, she has consistently demonstrated Service Above Self. She is constantly looking for ways to enrich the lives of students, and volunteers her time to make these ideas a reality. Along with this award, she is receiving $500 to use toward professional development or school supplies. 

Ms. Morrison has taken many leadership roles in the Urbandale Community School District such as: co-coordinating the EL clothing giveaway event, taking the lead on a district-wide portrait event for our EL families, partnering with the Urbandale Optimist Club to provide a weekend outing, and has previously been a model teacher, which means she is a leader among her peers – serving on committees, planning professional development, and modeling what great teaching looks like. 

Ms. Morrison is always looking for ways to keep improving her craft and is not afraid to do whatever it takes to keep students engaged and motivated. She is a tireless advocate for students and is well deserving of the Ken Lepley Memorial Hero in Education Award. Congratulations to Alissa Morrison on this great accomplishment. We are #proudofU!

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