Western & Southern Financial Group, in partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), has announced five finalists for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award. The award, established by Western & Southern in 2007, is celebrating its 20th year recognizing outstanding educators in CPS who elevate the educational process to an exceptional level through personal commitment, dedicated focus and exceptional results.
Finalists for 2026, chosen from nominations submitted by CPS teachers and administrators, are:
Milbeth Allen
Bond Hill Academy
Shana Darden
Rothenberg Preparatory Academy
Ashley Green
North Avondale Montessori School
Tory O'Connell
Bond Hill Academy
Frank Sedgwick
Walnut Hills High School
Each of this year’s finalists was notified during a surprise classroom visit from Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna Murphy and Western & Southern Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications David Nevers.
The 2026 award recipient will be announced on May 6 at a ceremony and reception hosted by Western & Southern and the company will present the award winner with a $10,000 check.
“Our educators are the heart of Cincinnati Public Schools and the foundation of why we are Here for Kids. Their daily commitment to academic excellence, whole-child development and equity drives the growth we’re working toward across our District,” said Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna Murphy. “This recognition celebrates not just individual achievement, but the collective momentum we’re building to prepare every student for life 'Beyond the Tassel.' We’re proud to partner with Western & Southern to honor Dr. Hawkins’ legacy and uplift the educators making it real every day.”
“The Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award is a living tribute to a remarkable leader and an important way we recognize educators who shape the future of Cincinnati’s children,” said John F. Barrett, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Western & Southern. “As we celebrate the 20th year of this tradition, we are proud to honor the exceptional finalists whose dedication inspires students to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.”
Western & Southern’s inspiration for establishing the award in 2007 was Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins, a renowned educator in Cincinnati who served as a distinguished member of the Western & Southern board of directors for many years. Hawkins, a member of the elite Tuskegee Airmen, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Cincinnati and a doctorate in education. He worked as an educator and administrator at CPS before joining the University of Cincinnati faculty, where he founded the College of Community Affairs. He was promoted to vice president of continuing education and metropolitan affairs and then again to executive vice president of administration. Hawkins served on several local community and business boards, and was named a Great Living Cincinnatian in 1989 by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce.
About Cincinnati Public Schools
The Cincinnati City School District, also known as Cincinnati Public Schools serves more than 34,000 students in 66 schools spread across southwest Ohio. CPS is Greater Cincinnati's largest, and Ohio's second-largest school district. CPS offers families high-quality educational choices and a variety of academic programs. CPS’ work is outlined in five strategic priorities: Support Our Students, Equip Our Educators, Connect Our Community, Ignite Innovation and Optimize Operations. With a focus on Academics, Behavior and Culture, CPS is committed to developing the whole child, ensuring students thrive and graduate prepared to enroll in college, enlist in the military or become gainfully employed. For more information visit www.cps-k12.org.