Public Schools Hall of Fame Awards

Geographic Scope: Nashville/Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee

Program Status: Active annual program. 12th edition held in 2016. Awards presented at annual luncheon event.

Purpose: Citywide honors recognizing individuals and initiatives that have made significant impact on Nashville public education and schools.

Program Components: Three distinct awards presented:

1. Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Service Award

Purpose: Honors civic, business, or political leaders in Nashville who demonstrate pinnacle of commitment and service to improving quality of public education in MNPS

Award: Prestigious recognition; no monetary award amount specified

Eligibility: Civic, business, and political leaders in Nashville community

Past Recipients Include:

• Kix Brooks
• Annette Eskind
• Ralph and Juli Mosley
• Bill Purcell
• Renata Soto (2016)

2. Distinguished Alumni Award

Purpose: Recognizes high-achieving graduates of MNPS who are committed to public education, display leadership in their professions, and have made significant community contributions

Award: Prestigious recognition; no monetary award amount specified

Eligibility: MNPS graduates meeting criteria

Past Recipients Include:

• Decosta Jenkins
• Beverly Keel
• Robert Lipman
• Brenda Wynn
• Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. (2016)
• Joe Steakley (2016)
• Rev. Dr. Becca Stevens (2016)

3. Inspiring Innovation Award (Inaugural 2016)

Purpose: Recognizes MNPS teacher, initiative, or school that exemplifies commitment to bringing bold, innovative strategies to public schools

Award: $10,000 grant

Eligibility: MNPS teachers, initiatives, or schools

Selection Partner: Nashville Entrepreneur Center partners with NPEF to select recipient

2016 Recipient: STEM Preparatory Academy

Event Details:

• Annual Public Schools Hall of Fame Luncheon
• Typical timing: October (moved from spring to fall in 2016)
• Venue: Omni Nashville Hotel
• Attendance: Record-breaking crowds in recent years
• Cultural performances: Featured performers such as Vince Gill
• Purpose: Community coming-together moment to celebrate importance of strong public schools

Contact Information:

• Nashville Public Education Foundation
• 615 Main Street Suite 124
• Nashville, TN 37206
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 615-727-1515
• Contact: Margaret Di Giulio ([email protected]) for sponsorship information

Nomination and Application Process

Nomination Method: Community nominations accepted

Who Can Nominate:

• Community members
• Civic leaders
• Business leaders
• Organizational partners

Award-Specific Deadlines:

• Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Service Award: May 1 deadline
• Distinguished Alumni Award: May 1 deadline
• Inspiring Innovation Award: June 1 deadline

Submission Process:

1. Submit nominations online at nashvillepef.wpengine.com/hall-of-fame/
2. Provide nominee information and nomination rationale
3. Nominations reviewed by selection committee
4. Winners announced prior to Hall of Fame Luncheon event

Selection Committee:

• Business and community leaders
• Civic stakeholders
• For Inspiring Innovation Award: Partnership with Nashville Entrepreneur Center to review and select winner

Nomination Content: Expected to include:

• Description of nominee's accomplishments
• Impact on public education and/or community
• Specific examples of contribution or innovation
• Demonstration of commitment to public school improvement

Note: Detailed application requirements and narrative questions not specified in source material.