Loveland education aide Kim Hicks: Best in Ohio

Kim Hicks receives the OMLA 2018 Support Staff Award

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District Education Aide Kim Hicks has been named the Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA) 2018 Support Staff recipient. Hicks works to support students at both Loveland Middle School (LMS) and Loveland Intermediate School (LIS). OMLA will formally recognize her at their annual conference in October.

“Kim Hicks builds relationships and uses them to provide opportunities for those who would otherwise not have any or very few,” said LMS Principal Chuck Ogdan. “Kim actively researches intervention models that work for each student she serves – no matter how difficult the challenge – and she inspires other staff members to never give up on any of our students. She is a valuable member of our team; we are lucky to have her.”

Hicks also volunteers at the NEST after-school program, helping to provide nutrition and academic support for the economically disadvantaged youth and families within the school district. She is  part of the Loveland Educating Against Alcohol and Drugs task force. She helped organize the LMS Breakfast Club where she volunteers before school serving breakfast to economically disadvantaged students. She is a cofounder and organizer of Club Healthy Habits – forming new relationships among students and teachers at LMS.

“Kim has long been a champion for students and families; this is evidenced not only in her vast community involvement, but also her high level of success in providing supports for students struggling with behavioral and/or mental-health needs,” said Loveland Director of Student Services Eric Dool. “Kim has a gift for building rapport, recognizing signs of anxiety, working to calm and deescalate, and striving to instill resilience and self-efficacy in others. She is very deserving of this recognition.”

This is the second OMLA Award LMS won this year. In April, LMS was named No. 1 in Ohio for  Student and Staff Recognition.