AWARDED — Cross Creek Elementary teacher Robyn Scott has been heralded for her dedication to students by being honored as Outstanding Elementary Teacher by the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) on Feb. 10 in Cambridge. Pictured are, from left, Ohio Board of Education President Paul LaRue, Robyn Scott, Cross Creek Principal Dan Hartman, and CORAS Executive Director Dr. Richard Murray. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — Robyn Scott has spent the past 26 years encouraging young minds, and her efforts have earned her distinction as Indian Creek School District’s Outstanding Elementary Teacher by the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS).

Scott, who teaches second grade at Cross Creek Elementary School, was among the educators recognized during a ceremony on Feb. 10 at the Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge. CORAS, in partnership with the Ohio University Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education, represents 101 school districts and educational institutions across the 32-county Appalachian region of Ohio.

“I am very grateful and humbled by this recognition,” she said. “It reflects not only my efforts, but the support and collaboration of those I work alongside each day.”

It is also a full-circle moment because she is a 1994 graduate of Indian Creek High School–the first graduating class amid the district’s consolidation–and she was inspired to return to the classroom to teach others. Since then, it has become a true labor of love.

“I was inspired to become an elementary educator by my own teachers, especially my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Dixon, whose impact on me stayed long after I left her classroom. I even had the privilege to work with her at the beginning of my career,” she recalled.

Scott added that working in the district where she once walked the hallowed halls as a pupil was also significant.

“It is very meaningful to me. As part of the first graduating class, it is amazing to see how much it has grown and to give back to the community that shaped me,” she added, saying she also has gained a unique outlook on her craft over time. “Having my own children changed how I approach teaching, helping me see each student as if they were my own and focus on how best to support them.”

Watching her students move on to find their own success has been its own reward and reminds her why she chose that vocation.

“I can’t identify just one defining moment. Seeing my former students succeed in the real world and now having the privilege to work alongside some of them continually reminds me why I became a teacher,” she noted as she shared her own pearls of wisdom with future educators. “My advice to new teachers is to take each day and each lesson one at a time. Mistakes will happen, and as I remind my own students, mistakes are simply proof that you are trying and learning.”

District leaders heralded Scott for her devotion to her students, saying she was a vital part of the Indian Creek family.

“Having one of our teachers receive this prestigious award is an incredible honor for our entire school community,” said Cross Creek Principal Dan Hartman. “Robyn Scott reflects the collective culture of excellence, collaboration, and commitment that defines our building. It affirms the hard work happening in our classrooms every day and shines a spotlight on the dedication our staff brings to serving students. We are immensely proud, because she represents our school so well and this award highlights the impact great teaching has on children and families.”

He noted his excitement with Scott’s commendation and said she was very deserving, while he was grateful for the opportunity to work with her each day.

“Her commitment to students consistently goes above and beyond. The news was a joyful moment for our entire school,” Hartman continued. “Robyn stands out because of her unwavering dedication to students and her belief that every child can succeed. She builds strong, meaningful relationships with her students and families, creating a classroom environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. I hope our community understands that this recognition represents the powerful impact educators have on shaping young lives. It highlights the importance of public education and the extraordinary work happening in our classrooms each day.”

Indian Creek Superintendent T.C. Chappelear echoed those sentiments.

“Robyn is part of a fantastic community of elementary school teachers at Indian Creek including both Cross Creek and Hills Elementary Schools,” Chappelear said. “She works hard to maintain a flexible approach to making sure that her students have both the time and support to be successful. She is a former student of the Indian Creek School District, and her recognition points out how teachers like her make it a personal mission to serve our student community at Indian Creek.”