TITLE
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING MR. MARK LOWRIE
BODY
WHEREAS, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program began in 1964 and celebrates the work, inside and outside of the classroom, of exceptional teachers across the state. The mission of the program is to provide opportunities for professional learning to exemplary teachers as leaders and advocates for public education; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mark Lowrie currently serves as the Gahanna Lincoln High School broadcast journalism teacher; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lowrie began his career in broadcast television, where he worked for 12 years prior to transitioning into the classroom. Additionally, Mr. Lowrie previously taught in Amherst, Ohio, for 18 years prior to joining Gahanna Lincoln High School five years ago; and
WHEREAS, Since moving to Gahanna Lincoln High School, Lowrie has designed four new courses and has grown enrollment in the broadcast journalism program from 27 to more than 130 students in three years; and
WHEREAS, in his time leading the broadcast journalism program, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has honored Lowrie’s students with seven National Student Production Awards (SPA) and 79 Regional SPAs. Also known as the Student Emmy Awards, Mr. Lowrie’s students led the nation with three National SPAs in 2022, including Best Newscast and the National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Award, which honors the top four broadcast programs nationally; and
WHEREAS, earlier this year, school administrators, fellow educators, parents, students and community members nominated teachers for Ohio’s State Board District Teacher of the Year recognition. In August, Mr. Lowrie was named the State Board District 6 Teacher of the Year - one of 11 teachers statewide to receive the district-level honor. From the field of 11, Lowrie was one of four teachers named as a statewide finalist; and
WHEREAS, On September 7, 2023, Mr. Mark Lowrie was named the Ohio Department of Education 2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year; and
WHEREAS, As the state teacher of the year, Lowrie will represent Ohio in the 2024 National Teacher of the Year selection sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL, AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR, OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the City of Gahanna does hereby recognize and honor Mr. Mark Lowrie for his contributions to education and broadcast journalism.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.