The Regional Office of Education hosted a banquet to present the “Education is the Key” award and Eastern professor, John Dively, was the keynote speaker.

Dively, an assistant professor of educational administration and the education leadership department chair, gave his speech at the May 9th banquet that honored 19 recipients.

Dively’s speech reflected on the contributions made to the school and community by the recipients.

According to the Regional Office of Education’s website, the “Education is the Key” award was established to recognize honorable acts of dedicated teachers, administrators, school board members, businesses, educational support staff and community members who demonstrate outstanding and sustained commitment to education.

“The award is given to those that sustain positive impacts on their school organization,” Dively said. “This award signifies the recognition of their peers.”

Dively’s speech focused on some of the perceptions of education that are being portrayed in the media.

He specifically addressed Davis Guggenheim’s 2010 award winning documentary, “Waiting for Superman.”

The film analyzes the failures of the American public education system and the benefit of charter schools.

The film’s title is based on the premise that America is waiting on a “Superman” kind of hero or revelation to improve the American educational system.

Dively’s concern was that if people’s only viewpoint of public education was this movie, then people would have a distorted view of how good public education can truly be.

“There are people that go above and beyond what’s expected of them,” Dively said. “And that’s what this award is about, the everyday Superman.”

The “Education is the Key” award was presented at the banquet to 10 teachers, two principles, two guidance counselors, one parent volunteer and Arcola School Board president Jim Crane.

Three retired educators were also honored with the award.

Two of the award winners, Assistant Principal Christine Bough and Kindergarten teacher Betty Dunn, were from the Mattoon School District, while Principal Debbie Poffinbarger was the lone Charleston award winner.

“These recipients do a great job on a daily basis,” Dively said. “I just wanted to thank them for their service.”

Eric Robinson can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].