Landis Elementary School teacher, aide win Crystal Berry Awards
May 24—Luis Tavares and Lisa Gellinger are the 2024 Crystal Berry Award winners. Tavares is an aide and won as the classified staff recipient, and Gellinger is a first-grade teacher who was the certified staff recipient.
Both are employees at Landis Elementary School.
Logansport Community Schools Corporation superintendent Michele Starkey was on hand Thursday at Landis to surprise both during a small ceremony.
"Mr. Tavares has so much passion for his role as an aide in his students' lives," the nomination form stated. "This bond that Mr. Tavares forms in elementary with his students continues as they grow. He never stops looking out for them. They stay important.
"He never stops supporting his students. Through academics or fostering them through their world, Mr. Tavares is always making positive impacts for LCSC students."
Gellinger has been a cross country coach for Logansport High School for many years with her husband Tyler, also a teacher at Landis. The Gellingers also started the Landis Running Club for kids at the school.
"Lisa goes above and beyond for each of her students every single year," her nomination form stated. "They are always doing fun activities while learning in the most creative ways. She comes to school each day with such a positive attitude and is a ray of light. Lisa is a joy to work with and is so helpful."
