Central emphasizes excellence and tradition to its students, but that excellence is due in part to dedicated teachers. Greg Sand, a math teacher and counselor Karen Cirulis were recipients of the Yale Educator Award in recognition for being outstanding teachers who have supported and inspired students to achieve at high levels.

Matriculating students nominate high school educators, then a committee of Yale admissions officers review the nominations individually and designate the recipients. Winners were sent engraved desks sets and congratulatory letters. “I was very surprised to learn of receiving the Yale Educator Award,” Cirulis said. “I’m genuinely honored to have been nominated by a former student.”

Sand has been teaching at Central for the past 12 years; the experiences he has gained have helped him become a better educator. “I’m a much better teacher due to the experiences I’ve had at Central,” Sand said. “This is a school that demands you become a better teacher.”

Cirulis not only works for Central, but was also an OPS student and decided to come back after she graduated. “I’m a ‘product of OPS’ not only as a student but also as a teacher,” Cirulis said. “Ultimately coming to Central in 1995—and I’m still learning.”

Ryan Goding, a Central graduate, nominated Sand and Cirulis, the only winners from Nebraska.

Sand found out about the award by email from Yale, two days before receiving the actual award. “Anytime a student says ‘thank you’ is special,” Sand said. “But to then have a student take the time during the very busy first days of their freshman year in college to nominate you for an award to honor your work as a teacher is very humbling.”

Being a recipient of the Yale Educator Award is prestigious, because it comes from a teacher’s student. “I hope it’s a reflection of the work all teachers do with students,” Sand said. “Often, I just try and find ways to impact kids and help them grow. I’m fortunate to have students who are willing to nominate me.”

For Cirulis being a recipient of the Yale Educator Award is just another way of students showing her the impact she’s had on them. “Anytime a student, or family member or peer says ‘you’ve made a difference,’ it’s awesome,” Cirulis said. “This award truly represents Central and Ryan as much as it does me.”

Sand has cultivated a positive relationship with his students that make it easier for friendships to bond and makes it easier to teach. “I hope to cultivate strong relationships with students through teaching mathematics,” Sand said. “I begin with my primary role, teaching math.  As different circumstances occur, I find way to advise students through the difficult parts of their lives.  These don’t happen at first, but only after we have worked together and built a trust between us.”

It’s this relationship that Sand shares with his students that helps him with his job. “My job is much more effective due to the quality of relationships I have with students,” Sand said.  “Often, when I have strong relationships with students they are willing to work harder than they would otherwise, challenge themselves and not give up when things become difficult.”

Sand received positive feedback from both family and co-workers. “They [family] thought it was great… it was a neat honor,” Sand said. Co-workers congratulated both Sand and Cirulis. “My own family includes generations of teachers, and it was something they also valued,” Cirulis said.

Being recognized as recipients of the Yale Educator Award was a high honor, but these educators value their students and work more than any recognition. “I, along with other educators, chose this profession with an intention and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our students and communities,” Cirulis said. “ This recognition was a bonus.”