Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Waters Award recipients Joseph Vissichelli and Dr. John Hosmer!
At a Veteran’s Day assembly at Ironwood Ridge High School, Reverend James Briney was inspired by the exchange between the veterans who had fought for our freedoms and the educators and students who were now exercising those freedoms in an atmosphere of learning. In his effort to honor teachers and students, Reverend Briney created the Waters Excellent Educator Recognition Award and the Hiremath Student Integrity Prize through the Excellent Educator & Student Integrity Fund established at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona in 2014.
The fund awards a cash prize to both an educator nominated by colleagues for their excellence and authentic inspiration to students and to a student who submits an integrity essay. “The important thing is that you recognize the presence of integrity when you look in the mirror,” shared Reverend Briney, who hopes to see the awards become models for even more high schools in the future to recognize excellent teachers and students who explore the notion of integrity.
The Waters Excellent Educator Recognition Award honors the career of Lou Waters, who has dedicated his life to informing and educating our community, our nation, and the world. Educators at Ironwood Ridge High School and University High School are eligible for the Waters Award, based on their devotion and competence.
The next nominations will open at the beginning of 2025!
Questions? Contact our Community Impact Team at community@cfsaz.org or by phone at 520-770-0800.
I really would like to thank everyone that had a hand in giving me this award and I am overjoyed at the notion that others think of me in this way. It makes my life more complete.
— Joseph Vissichelli
