Outstanding Secondary Level Art Educator

Sara Little "was born to teach, pushing her students beyond their comfort zones to produce excellent results", according to Hanover High Principal, Karen Schoonover.
Teaching in the Hanover School District at the elementary, high school and adult levels, Sara has given freely of her personal time in the morning, evening, and weekends encouraging all students to reach their full potential by setting high standards and offering nurturing support. As a result, her students often excelled, receiving over 90% of the regional Scholastic Awards in 2005. Sara was recognized as an outstanding educator when her students’ work received national honors in the Scholastic Art Competition in 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2005. Sara was co-chair of the Scholastic Region 3 competition, served on the Scholastic steering committee, was an advisor for the Hanover chapter of the National Art Society, and was a co-presenter at the 2004 PAEA conference.

Sara has been the art advisor to Hanover High School’s literary magazine and initiated a high school art show and a purchase award for Hanover graduates. In addition, Sara assisted students in raising money for Katrina relief, helping the NAHS team and Hanover High student council collect over $2000.

Sara’s incredible level of energy and enthusiasm is one of her best attributes. She is able to lead her students to high levels of accomplishment while helping to create a significant niche for art in her community. In Sara’s words, “Encouraging creativity, growth and making connections between art and history and the students personal lives helps them develop skills, self-esteem, and confidence.”