Sig School principal selected for top education honor for ATHENA
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — After hearing she was honored for her contributions in education this past year, Signature School Principal Jean Hitchcock was filled with disbelief.
Once her feelings of doubt subsided, Hitchcock felt a rush of fulfillment knowing she received such a distinguished honor of top educator for ATHENA.
"I know the ATHENA Award honored some very terrific women in the past, so I was very proud," Hitchcock said. "With education, of course, I'm here at Signature School, and it makes me very proud to have Signature by my name and be apart of that."
The Southwest Indiana Chamber honors prominent women leaders in the Evansville area who have actively assisted others in their pursuit for personal and professional excellence. The organization falls under ATHENA International, a non-profit organization based in Chicago.
Since the start of the annual ATHENA Award Luncheon nearly 30 years ago, hundreds of local women have been recognized as ATHENA Award recipients. This year, Hitchcock was among a group of 6 representatives, with her claiming the top spot in education.
Hitchcock said the award proves the work she's done has made a fundamental impact on students at Sig School and the larger community.
Beth Muehlbauer, Sig School director of Academic Services, said she nominated Hitchcock because of her unwavering commitment to provide quality education to her students.
"I was thrilled that Jean was selected," she said. "It’s a fantastic validation of her passion for education and for Signature School.
Hitchcock said if it weren't for the people around her, she wouldn't have made the strides she has to receive an award of this magnitude.
"The secret to it is to surround yourself with great people, and I'm fortunate enough to have great people around me.
"On my desk, I have a thing that says 'Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women that have her back.' I look around and I see all of the women and men who have my back, and I just feel really fortunate," Hitchcock said.
Muehlbauer said organizations like ATHENA International are important because they place a spotlight on the work of local educators, especially women in administrative positions who often don't receive recognition for their contributions.
"I think it’s a great idea to honor and acknowledge the hard work of those who dedicate themselves to the task of educating children," she said. "It’s a great way to show all of the hardworking educators that we value their efforts to improve our community by providing a challenging and meaningful education to our youth."