Heritage Fund recognizes Hanley Teaching Award recipient

COLUMBUS, Ind. — L.C. Schmitt Elementary School instructional coach Jill Bless is the recipient of the 2026 Bill and Sally Hanley Excellence in Teaching Award administered by Heritage Fund.

Established in 2000, the award recognizes outstanding elementary teachers in the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation and comes with a $1,000 stipend.

Recipients are nominated by their principals for demonstrating outstanding dedication, leadership, and service to the school community.

Bless, who has been employed by BCSC since 2000, was praised for the positive impact she has on the school.

“Mrs. Bless makes Schmitt Elementary a better place, year after year. Her initiative and impact are seen in every corner of our building. Her contribution to the Schmitt community is unmatched as she goes above and beyond to serve its students and families,” Principal Kaity Day wrote in her nomination.