Nominations open Sept. 2 for 20th Annual Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award

Listen to an interview with Melissa DeLaet below.

HALL COUNTY, Neb. — The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2025 Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award, now celebrating its 20th year of honoring outstanding Hall County educators.

Created in honor of Kim West Dinsdale, a passionate champion for education, the award recognizes Hall County teachers and counselors who inspire, lead with heart, and make a lasting impact on students and the community.  Over the past two decades, 23 educators from a range of schools across Hall County have been honored through this program.

“The Excellence in Teaching Award is the Foundation's way of spotlighting the commitment and excellence of local educators who shape the future every day,” said Melissa DeLaet, CEO of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. “Our committee has also come up with a unique and wonderful way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this program. It’s going to be such a great surprise!”

The 2025 recipient will receive public recognition and a $5,000 award. In celebration of the program’s 20th anniversary, the Community Foundation will announce the special surprise during the awards ceremony.

Nominations are open September 2–30, 2025. Any student, parent, colleague, or community member may nominate a private- or public-school Hall County teacher or counselor in any field of teaching, grades pre-K through 12.

To nominate, visit www.gicf.org beginning September 2. For more information or questions, call the
Community Foundation at 308-381-7767.