Hubbard Schools is proud to announce that Kelli Komlanc has been recognized as the Elementary Educator of the Year at the first-ever Mahoning Valley Educators of the Year Honors Dinner, held on Tuesday night at the Eastwood Event Centre.
The event celebrated 33 outstanding local teachers for their dedication and contributions to education. The awards dinner, which was attended by nearly 300 guests, was the vision of Hubbard Schools teacher Josh MacMillan, who sought to recognize and uplift the impact of educators throughout Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties.
“The support I received during this process from our area administrators, county ESCs, and especially from my administration at Hubbard was the only reason this endeavor was possible. To stand there and see people in our profession be rewarded, and to see a colleague and friend like Kelli recognized for all of her selfless contributions to her school and community, made last night one of the most fulfilling of my career. Sharing it with people like her made it that much more special,” said Josh MacMillan.
“Josh had a passion, fueled by determination, to ensure that his colleagues across the Mahoning Valley were celebrated for their hard work. He gave of himself unselfishly, putting in his own time, energy and heart to make it all happen, when in reality, he himself could have easily been among those honored,” said Hubbard Superintendent Raymond Soloman.
Komlanc, a longtime teacher, coach and school leader at Hubbard, has dedicated herself to fostering student success both inside and outside the classroom. Komlanc’s leadership in the Hubbard Youth Coalition, her role as Student Council Advisor and assistant track coach, and her contributions to various service projects and committees—including the Hubbard Children’s Christmas Drive, which serves nearly 200 students—showcase her commitment to the school community.
"Helping others has always been my passion, so becoming a teacher felt natural. I was hired by Hubbard EVSD in August 1999 as an 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, where I spent 18 years teaching Social Studies and ELA before transitioning to 5th/6th grade Title I Reading Intervention in 2017. My favorite part of being an educator is working with students and witnessing their growth year after year. I also love collaborating with my colleagues—our staff is creative, kind, fun, and passionate, making coming to school each day truly enjoyable," said teacher Kelli Komlanc.
“Having had the privilege of knowing Kelli as my teacher, coach, colleague, and now as her supervisor, I can confidently say that she embodies the very essence of dedication, selflessness and compassion. Her unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students, staff and community makes her a true pillar of excellence and inspiration.” said Danielle Leigh, K-8 Assistant Principal of Hubbard Schools.
The Mahoning Valley Educators of the Year Honors Dinner was supported by the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber, Youngstown State University and the YSU Foundation.