Carol Trimble Award

Congratulations Charlie Johnson!

At the Biennial Statewide Arts Education Conference The Measure of Success Visual and Media Arts Educator Charlie Johnson was very surprised when he was presented the Carol Trimble award. It was a wonderful moment and a well deserved Charlie, appeared stunned. Present were not only visual and performing arts colleagues from across the state, but his principal Matt Haney and many of his family members surprised him as well.

The following was read during the presentation:

The Carol Trimble Award is presented for Exemplary Service to Education. This coveted awarded has only been presented four times in its history. Established in 2011 to honor Carol Trimble who served as the Executive Director of the Maine Alliance for Arts Education. Carol worked tirelessly for many years advocating for quality arts education for all students.

The recipient of this award exemplifies the ideals that Carol held in high esteem – doing outstanding work continuously to provide opportunities for all students and working collaboratively with other teachers, administration, community members, parents, and most importantly students.

This person has been a Teacher Leader since MALI started in 2005. He is a true leader – sharing his knowledge – listening and leading – he co-presented with his students, with a teaching colleague and one with his principal. I pick up the phone when I need an opinion on a topic and ask for his advice. Charlie Johnson, please come forward to accept the Carol Trimble award.

From Dan Stillman, Charlie’s colleague at Mount Desert Island High School: Charlie is my art teacher superhero! He is an exemplary educator who “exceeds the standard” for arts advocacy in our school and across the state. He is only “approaching standard”, however, when it comes to waiting for proficiency-based education to replace old-school grading. He is ready for an educational paradigm shift NOW! I’d place Charlie in the top 1% of his class, give him an A++ for effort and offer him extra credit for being fun to work with!

Charlie’s family comes up to congratulate Charlie!

From the Secretary of State Matt Dunlap: I was thrilled to hear you were named the recipient of the Carol Trimble Award for Exemplary Service to Arts Education. Growing up in the art world in a household of skilled craftsmen, I always appreciated your pragmatic understanding of what art is and what it does for people, and how important the creative process is to every aspect of our lives. You clearly convey that to your students, and I have no doubt it makes them bolder, more thoughtful and hopeful citizens because of your teachings.

Charlie’s students said this about him: Way-Dedicated, Funky, Passionate, Super-duper-knowledgeable, Hip, Entertaining, Has high expectations and is a total Renaissance Man!

I am proud to call Charlie a colleague and a friend and so grateful that he has chosen arts education to dedicate his career to. Please join me in thanking Charlie Johnson from Mount Desert Island High School for his total commitment to education.

Charlie says a few words after accepting his award.

 

Charlie’s family is part of the surprise. Here they are waiting in the lobby at Point Lookout Conference Center for the right moment.

Thanks to Heidi O’Donnell and Catherine Ring for the photos.