Diether Heinicke Promise of Excellence Award Nomination Form
About the Award
The Diether Heinicke Promise of Excellence Award is named for Western Michigan University President Emeritus Diether Haenicke. It will be given each year by the Kalamazoo Communities In Schools Board of Directors to honor an individual or an organization that embodies the spirit Dr. Haenicke demonstrated in the years he served on the KCIS Board. That spirit suggested that we always challenge ourselves to a higher standard as stewards of the community’s resources and developers of the next generation. Diether served as a catalyst for challenging our assumptions and considering alternative points of view, always with the intent of improving the lives of young people and the quality of life of his adopted home of Kalamazoo.
Nominations
Nominations may be submitted by any member of the Board or staff of Kalamazoo Communities In Schools or any member of the governing body or staff of one of the founding organizations for KCIS, the Kalamazoo Public Schools, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Kalamazoo. The dates for the nominations will be publicized each year, actively seeking nominees who meet the award criteria.
Criteria for the Award
This award will be given each year to an individual or organization who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to excellence in any or all of the following areas: service delivery to pre-K-12th grade students to support their success in school and in life, stewardship of the community’s charitable dollars, community engagement and alignment in support of student achievement, advocacy on behalf of an individual, a group or policy and program evaluation for the purpose of improving services or conditions for students. The individual or organization nominated may have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in a very public and vocal manner or in a quiet, behind-the-scenes way. The commitment demonstrated may be part of a volunteer role or a professional one.
Selection of the Award Recipient
Nominations will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee of the KCIS Board of Directors appointed by the Board President. Board members who have submitted nominations shall not be appointed to the selection committee. A single nominee will be chosen by the Committee to receive the award.
Presentation and Recognition
The award will be presented to the selected winner at the annual meeting/awards event of Kalamazoo Communities In Schools. The winner will receive a suitable memento of the award and each winner will be identified on a public display at the offices of KCIS with each winner added to previous years’ winners on an annual basis.