DALE CITY ASSOCIATION NAMES YOUTH AND TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

The Dale City Civic Association recently honored four Prince William County teachers for their dedication and excellence in teaching and a C. D. Hylton High School student. Catherine Allen, guidance counselor at King Elementary School, was selected as Elementary School Teacher of the Year. The association’s selection for Middle School Teacher of the Year was Trindell Miller, a science teacher at Godwin Middle School. Gar-Field Senior High School chemistry teacher Michael Ahern was named High School Teacher of the Year. The Catherine Spellane Citizen of the Year award was presented to Gar-Field Senior High School gifted education teacher Gerry Hince. The John D. Jenkins Youth Citizen of the Year is C. D. Hylton High School senior Daniel J. Hillenbrand.

King Elementary School guidance counselor Catherine Allen has impacted the lives of many students, parents, teachers, and community members. Gary Shaw, Principal, said that in his experience as a teacher and administrator he has never seen a person so committed and selfless in her dedication to others as Catherine Allen. From the moment she greets the students when they arrive at school until the time she goes home at night, “She is seen as someone who talks the talk and walks the walk,” says Shaw.

Allen’s lessons are challenging and effective; she wants her students to become life-long learners. When her students have a problem, she guides them towards a solution. At the beginning of the school year, one of Allen’s student’s military parents was deployed. Allen spent extra time with the student to help her deal with her difficulties. Every year Allen contacts social agencies and churches to provide necessary school supplies for students who can not afford them. She also spends her own money to ensure that every student has proper winter clothing.

Godwin Middle School science department chair Trindell S. Miller Lowe has taught in education for over twenty-three years in school systems in Virginia, South Carolina, Kansas, and Germany. For the past fourteen years Miller’s colleagues at Godwin have viewed her as a role model. She developed a morning homework assistance program and received a grant to promote technology in the classroom. After school, Miller serves as a homebound teacher and also volunteers as a tutor for her church.

Michael Ahern, a chemistry teacher at Gar-Field Senior High School, is also this year’s winner of the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award. Colleague Jason Calhoun says that from the very first day that he witnessed Ahern’s teaching skills, he saw a master at work and someone who shows a genuine concern for all. Calhoun wanted to be a teacher “just like Mike.” His “can do” attitude has led to using calculator-based probeware in experiments and educating other teachers in this new technology.

His students learn critical thinking techniques; they learn more than “what to think, they learn how to think,” say his nominators. Ahern teaches students how to take notes, experiment with techniques, apply organizational skills, set priorities, and manage their time. He believes in forming partners with parents and keeps them informed with “good news” reports.

Gerry Hince, a gifted education teacher at Gar-Field High School, was named the Catherine Spellane Citizen of the Year. She is the sponsor of the school’s literary magazine and
“It’s Academic.” Active in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Hince has served as treasurer, education chairman, and was on the membership, fashion show, and Girls’ State selection committee. Last year she was the Commander of American Legion Post 364 and chairman of the oratorical committee. Hince was also involved with the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors, Valor Awards and Business Awards Board, and chaired the not-for-profit committee. Hince is heavily involved with her church and has directed the youth program there.

C. D. Hylton High School senior Daniel Hillenbrand, son of Paul and Barbara Hillenbrand of Woodbridge, is the recipient of the John D. Jenkins Youth Citizen of the Year Award. Daniel has a long resume of academic achievements and community involvement. He is on the Principal’s Honor Roll and is enrolled in seven advanced placement courses. Earning academic letters for all of his high school years, Daniel received the AP Scholar Award and the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. Active in Model United Nations, he earned two Best Delegate Awards, including the Jefferson Cup, and was Secretary General. Daniel also attended Boy’s State.

An active Boy Scout, Daniel is working towards his Eagle Scout and just recently completed his Eagle Project. When his neighbor’s house burned down, he organized a group to
help clean up the yard. On the youth ministry leadership team at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Daniel has assisted in developing the activity calendar. He also is a lector, usher, and sings in the choir. Daniel has also been the guest speaker at the annual Confirmation retreat and been a leader in the church’s annual vacation bible school.

Accepted at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Daniel applied to University of Virginia and College of William and Mary and hopes to attend Georgetown University. He plans to major in political science and has an interest in international studies and economics.