roanoke, virginia – Moir Hill has been in the education field for over 60 years and is the February Education Impact Award recipient.
“What is this?” Hill asked educators at James Breckinridge Middle School.
It was hard to believe that Mr. Hill would be the next recipient of the Educational Impact Award.
“You are an Educational Impact Award recipient,” said Diane Smith of Blue Eagle Credit Union.
Mr. Hill has held various roles over the years, including as a baseball coach.
“I coached baseball and won 22 championships,” Hill said.
He is also a physical education teacher and currently encourages students at James Breckinridge Middle School, helping some students deal with tough love who have been suspended from school.
“I have 300 lesson plans that I have developed over the years,” Hill said.
Hill prepares snacks for children who do well in class.
He loves history and keeps important dates and photos of important events when teaching.
“They just built a gym here,” Hill told 10 News while showing a photo.
Hill's colleagues wanted to make sure the public knew his story.
“After 61 years in the education industry, he knows what he's doing and someone should know his story,” said Marlene Hamlett, a colleague who nominated Hill. That's what I thought,” he said.
James Breckinridge School leaders said Hill was truly a gem, and the staff even named the gymnasium after him.
“He calls parents for whatever he needs to do to make sure his students feel valued. And when you walk into his room, there's order and there's excellence. '' Dowdy said.
Blue Eagle Credit Union executives said what made Hill's nomination stand out was his longevity in the education field.
“It's just amazing to be in the same profession for 61 years. That doesn't happen unless you really want to be the best of who you are,” Smith said.
Even at nearly 90 years old, Hill still wants to help children succeed in life.
“I hope that when I get to heaven, God will say, 'Well done,'” Hill said.
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