The Daily Standard
Story Archive
Celina High School English teacher Alicia Ball points out a lesson to her students. She also teaches a media arts class where students create a weekly news show and is an adviser of the Spirit Squad.
CELINA - A Celina High School English teacher known as an indefatigable source of inspiration in the classroom and community has been heralded for her role in shaping the next wave of civically engaged American patriots.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of Ohio at its Mid-Winter Conference in Columbus earlier this month named Alicia Ball the high school teacher of the year.
The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Program annually recognizes three exceptional teachers who instill patriotism, promote civic responsibility and inspire the next generation to appreciate American values and freedom, according to Ohio VFW State Surgeon Tim Zvoncheck.
Ball, who has taught at Celina High School since 2010, took home the award for grades 9-12 teacher of the year. She was nominated by Eichar-De Curtins VFW Celina Post 5713 and escorted to the podium at the Columbus Airport Marriott by Ohio VFW District 2 Senior Vice Commander Eric Pugh.
"There were many submissions in this category, actually the most of all categories, but it was clear to the committee who reviewed these that Alicia stood above all others," Zvoncheck said. "Her peers consider her an outstanding teacher, and (she) is known for her unwavering dedication to her students in and out of the classroom."
Working with many students who come from difficult backgrounds, Ball has developed countless programs to encourage them to value education and to appreciate the need to excel in the classroom, Zvoncheck said.
Ball, Zvoncheck continued, empowers her students with programs such as The Spirit Squad, which helps create a sense of community and belonging.
"Alicia has also introduced many veteran recognition programs in her community and constantly strives to instill true American values in and around the community in which she lives," Zvoncheck said before handing Ball the award and a check for $1,000.
Ball thanked the Celina VFW and District 2 for nominating her. She also thanked her mother, Deb Sneddon.
"She reminded me multiple times this week that in 2006, my VFW gave me a scholarship. So this is some return on the investment. Thank you all for your service," Ball said.
A 2006 Celina High School graduate, Ball landed her dream job at her alma mater after earning her bachelor's degree from Ball State University in 2010. "I just wanted to come home. I always kind of knew that this was where I was supposed to be," she said.
Back in December, much to her surprise, Ball was presented with teacher of the year awards from both the Celina VFW and District 2. District 2 Junior Vice Commander Karl Hagaman of Celina and school administrators filed into Ball's classroom one morning at 7:30 to break the news to her.
"I was teaching. We've been working super hard on paragraph writing so that we can improve our state test scores and show growth," Ball recalled to The Daily Standard. "So I was sure they were thrilled with the interruption."
All quipping aside, Ball, a 2006 Celina High School graduate who holds degrees from Ball State University and Marygrove College, said she was happy her students were there to share the moment with her.
"The public sort of thinks that teachers are all one way and we sort of have this non-human quality - that we're sort of robots in the front of the classroom," she said. "But I've never been able to fit that mold, and I've always been incredibly open and honest with my kids. So sharing the highs and the lows has been one of the greatest aspects of being a teacher."
Reflecting on the three awards, Ball said she feels good anytime teachers are recognized.
"Teaching, it's so hard and it never gets any easier. There's not a year where you were like, 'Man, that was the easiest thing I've ever done.' And if it is, then you might be doing something wrong," she said.
"Every teacher has their own brand of magic, and it just so happens that my brand of magic is bridging a connection between the community and students," Ball said.
Other teachers practice magic every day in classrooms.
"It's just not as out in the open, and I wish everybody … could experience this recognition to know that they are doing such wonderful things," she said.
Celina High School Principal Renee Kramer, who noted it has been an honor to work alongside Ball for over 14 years, had nothing but praise to heap on her colleague, saying her dedication to the students and community "is unparalleled."
"Through her visionary leadership, she has brought to life cherished traditions such as the CHS Homecoming Parade and Bonfire, the Dayton Children's Hospital Toy Drive, and the CHS Thanksgiving Luncheon," Kramer said. "Mrs. Ball's presence inspires everyone around her to be better."
Ball seeks to forge genuine connections with students. She prides herself on her authenticity in the classroom.
Asked how she's able to make a connection with her students, Ball cited genuine engagement.
"I think authenticity is your most important thing," she said. "I think the first thing that you have to do to create relationships is show them that you are human, that you have ups and downs and you have good days and bad days, but that you really do care about them, because they know - they know when it's real."
Moreover, Ball realizes the importance of her role in students' lives.
"I spend more time with my high school kids all day long than some of their parents do, and so you have an epic responsibility to make sure that they're taken care of," she said.
Ball said she knew she wanted to be a teacher at a young age while growing up on Walnut Street in Celina. She recalled hosting a neighborhood arts and crafts week with her best friend.
"My own education experience at Celina schools was just beyond phenomenal and it just sort of felt right. I never really seriously entertained anything else," she said.
Ball and her husband, Andy, have two daughters.
