Jud Fisher’s Remarks at 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Ceremony

First and foremost, congratulations to Katherine Hughes as the recipient of Ball Brothers Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award. Ball Brothers Foundation is a 100-year-old private family foundation that provides grant funding and leadership in the state of Indiana, mostly targeted in Muncie and Delaware County. This teaching award is given annually in recognition of the values and spirit that were paramount to our foundation’s founders regarding education and student achievement. 

Kate’s ability to engage her students in unique experiential learning convinced us that she was a great representative of the fine teachers in Delaware County. Teaching directly, teaching from the side using the Socratic method, and teaching intentionally creates authentic learning that motivates students, and these are the things that drew us to choose Kate for the award. 

Kate’s emphasis on critical thinking, discipline, and working productively with other students are so important as her students prepare for life. Supporting students’ interests while challenging them to expose contradictions in beliefs and uncover underlying assumptions builds stronger students and better citizens. Whether teaching her general education classes or her Advanced Placement World History program, Kate’s impact on her students is notable and worthy of highlighting. Her efforts provide a solid base for students in a world without a lot of backstops, as well as many distractions.   

Kate has also given her time in shaping student athletes as a volleyball coach. Student athletes gain another level of education, practice, preparation, self-control, and teamwork as they work toward success in life. I personally find this to be another form of teaching and applaud Ms. Hughes for her efforts to shape young athletes. 

I would like to recognize our panel of judges for this award. Ball Brothers Foundation is indebted to these individuals for assisting us in the yearly search for exceptional teachers. They are: 

Wilisha Scaife, Don Engel, Pat Clark, Kate Love-Jacobson, and Dale Basham. 

I would also like to recognize the two finalists for this year’s award. They are: 

Pleasant View Elementary Kindergarten teacher Christine Barrett and Burris Laboratory high school teacher Brad Canada.  

This award comes with a few items. One is the grant award of $17,500. $5,000 will be directed to Muncie Community Schools, $5,000 will be directed to Muncie Central High School, and $5,000 will be directed specifically to Ms. Hughes’ classes to be used at her discretion. Also, there is an additional $2,500 designated for Kate’s own professional development. The other items are a letter of recognition and a gift for Kate, signifying her as the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. 

Congratulations, Kate, on behalf of the judges, my staff, and Ball Brothers Foundation, it is my pleasure to honor you today at Muncie Central. Thank you for all you do for our future through teaching our youth.