5 Hoover educators named outstanding Samford grads

Five principals and teachers from Hoover City Schools were among 100 people recognized as outstanding graduates from Samford University’s Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education during the school’s centennial celebration.

They were:

► Marissa Benjamin, math coach at Rocky Ridge Elementary School

► Kara Chism, assistant principal at Rocky Ridge Elementary School

► Ann Elizabeth McInvale, first-grade teacher at Trace Crossings Elementary School

► Wayne Richardson, principal at Deer Valley Elementary School

► Chris Robbins, principal at Berry Middle School

The Learning For Life award recipients were chosen for their success in their fields and their ability to give back to their communities, according to School of Education Dean Jeanie Box.

“The work of educators takes courage, passion and determination,” Box said in opening remarks during the centennial celebration, according to a university press release. “For 100 years, graduates from the school of education have been changing lives every day, making a difference for children, adolescents, adults and families.”

Samford President Andrew Westmoreland congratulated the honorees as “the very best in education, not just in Alabama, but around the world.

“I still believe after all these years that there is no nobler calling than teaching, Westmoreland said. “My happiest moments in my career have been in the classroom … 

“Your contributions are joyous for you and those receiving what you do. You say things that make a difference in lives.”

Not all the honorees were teachers or principals. Others came from fields such as health care, sports administration, ministry, athletics training, family studies and human development.