Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award

Hawkins Award: Inspire & Reward Excellence   

Western & Southern Financial Group established the Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award to inspire and reward excellence among educators in Cincinnati Public Schools. The Hawkins Award honors one educator who has elevated the educational process in our public schools to an exceptional level through personal commitment, dedicated focus and outstanding results. It is hoped recipients of the Hawkins Award will serve as inspirational role models who encourage other educators to achieve excellence.

john f barrett speaking at the hawkins award presentation

Award Eligibility

One outstanding Cincinnati Public Schools educator will receive a personal award of $10,000. Current Cincinnati Public School District faculty members with at least five years of experience as an educator and three or more most recent years of educational experience in the Cincinnati Public School District are eligible. Previous award winners are not eligible for repeat consideration. Nominations are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Educator instills in children a love for learning and a desire to achieve.
  • Educator has demonstrated a positive impact on student achievement levels.
  • Educator serves as a role model who encourages other educators to achieve excellence.
  • Educator serves as a change agent who advances the quality of education.

Nomination Process

Any current member of Cincinnati Public Schools faculty or central office can nominate a fellow educator. Self-nominations are not accepted. The nomination should cite the candidate's specific achievements in each area of the criteria referenced above. The nomination is certified by the candidate's supervisor and is submitted through the nomination process.

  • A committee composed of school system representatives review the nominations, select the top candidates and share those with the Selection Committee for review. The Selection Committee determines the final recipient of the award.
  • The Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award is presented at a reception attended by all finalists, their guests and their supervisors.
The 2017 Hawkins Award winner for Cincinnati Public Schools, Belinda Wallace

About Dr. Hawkins

Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins served as a member of the Board of Directors of Western & Southern Financial Group from 1990 to 2009 and was a renowned educator in the city of Cincinnati. He passed away on April 4, 2009.

Dr. Hawkins was a member of the elite Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American fighter pilots who fought valiantly in World War II without ever losing a plane. He earned undergraduate degrees from the University of Cincinnati (UC) in history and education, a master's degree in psychology and administration, and a doctorate in education.

In 1945, he began teaching in Cincinnati Public Schools and went on to serve as principal of Samuel Ach Junior High School. In 1967, Dr. Hawkins became assistant superintendent in Cincinnati Public Schools. He joined the faculty at UC in1969 as professor of education and community services. Subsequently, he founded the College of Community Affairs at UC and was appointed dean.

In 1974, Dr. Hawkins was promoted to vice president of continuing education and metropolitan affairs and promoted again in 1976 to executive vice president of administration. Dr. Hawkins was affiliated with the Mayor's Police/Community Relations Panel, the Cincinnati Human Relations Committee, and the Community Development Advisory Council. He served on the board of directors for the Cincinnati Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, Ohio Citizens Council for Health and Welfare, as well as Western & Southern Financial Group. Dr. Hawkins received numerous awards, including recognition as a Great Living Cincinnatian by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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