Long-time L-S math teacher receives 2017 Educator of Character Award

Lynnville-Sully High School math teacher Dwight Beyer received the 2017 Educator of Character Award from The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. It was presented at the Ray Center’s annual Iowa Character Awards ceremony on Friday, July 21, at the Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona. Video Spotlighting Mr. Beyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8zqPXpU69U The Ray Center at Drake University: http://drake.edu/raycenter/ Beyer, the beloved high school teacher who recently retired after 38 years with the school district, was among 12 Iowa individuals and organizations honored for exceptional character. Earlier this spring, Beyer was nominated by his colleagues, Lisa Foster, learning and systems leader, and Kevin Johnson, middle school language arts teacher. Foster and Johnson gathered letters of recommendation from current and former students and colleagues of Beyer’s. All letters praised Beyer for the impact he had in and outside the classroom, and for the outstanding character and leadership he provided as a teacher, colleague, and friend. In 38 years of teaching, Beyer has improved the lives of hundreds of Lynnville-Sully students. His reach extends far beyond the walls of the classroom, having served as a

sponsor for prom and the student council, an organizer of math and science field trips, a coach, and a bus driver. Perhaps most visibly, he served as a broadcaster for all Lynnville-Sully athletic events. He served the community as a member of the Lynnville City Council and the Lynnville Library Board, and supported the activities of the Lynnville Women's Club, of which his wife is a member.

Beyer has made an impact on every student who has walked through his classroom door. Many alumni who were blessed to learn from one of the best have fond memories and are influenced by the veteran teacher yet today, modeling his characteristics of fairness, caring, and respect in the workplace. In one of the letters of nomination for the Iowa Character Award, a Lynnville-Sully alum in part wrote, “TRUSTWORTHINESS and RESPONSIBILITY just come naturally for Mr. Beyer. You can trust him to make every effort to see his students succeed and be responsible. You can trust him to be a listening ear in confidence. You can trust him to meet the responsibilities he sets for himself and his students.” The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: Trustworthiness, re-spect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Since 2005, the organization has recognized more than 100 Iowans for showing good character. The 2017 Iowa Character Awards are presented by Hy-Vee, Inc., and KDSM FOX 17. The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, Iowa's home for the CHARACTER COUNTS! and Excellence with Integrity programs, provides character and leadership development strategies to improve civility and develop ethical leaders throughout the world. The Ray Center honors two of Drake's most respected alumni – Robert D. and Billie Ray – whose humanitarian efforts, character, and leadership set an inspirational example for multiple generations.