On the weekend of November 9th, art educators, education enthusiasts, and supporters gathered in Sandusky for the 2024 Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA) conference to celebrate 70 years and recognize educators and members of the association. One of these members was Tipp City High School’s very own art teacher, Alexis Morgan. Morgan has been a beacon of Tippecanoe High School for several years and an educator for nineteen. In these years, she has inspired countless students, motivated their creativity, and pushed them to achieve greatness. Her hard work and dedication have gone far from unnoticed, as she was awarded in the secondary art education division.

Winning the division award was no piece of cake. There are a series of requirements and expectations that each of the candidates must withhold. After being nominated, a rubric was used to determine the best selection for an award of art education excellence. Morgan had to score high on prompts such as “Candidate has an exceptional and extensive history of highly accomplished teaching and related experiences” and “Candidate has an exceptional history of professional active participation at the regional level,” each with their own set of sub prompts and requirements. From this rubric, Morgan scored extraordinarily, landing her the well-deserved award of art education excellence. Although the OAEA rubric was intense, and the requirements are teetering on the edge of perfectionism, Alexis is honored by the award and her participation in the association. The art teacher says, “I love being a part of OAEA because I am able to meet other art educators from across the state. It is wonderful to be able to collaborate with other art people. I am able to attend workshops and learn new techniques from other teachers. I am so involved with the group that I am on the executive board, which is made up of volunteers.”

The Ohio Art Education Association's secondary division award is an incredible achievement, and Tipp City art teacher Alexis Morgan was a clear winner. Her appreciation and understanding of her students is unmatched and coveted within Tippecanoe High School. She says, “I enjoy helping my students learn new techniques and new ways to think. I believe that art can teach students many valuable skills that will help them in any job they take. I love being able to advocate for my students and for the arts. I am passionate about enriching my students' knowledge that will help them advocate and challenge others throughout their lives.” Morgan has truly achieved greatness and inspired the young artists of Tipp City. More awards and achievements definitely lie ahead for Alexis, as the leader of the National Art Honors Society and programs and events related to OAEA in the future.