Outstanding teacher award presented to Essex’s Hume

Vicki Hume, a fifth grade instructor at the Essex Community School District, has added her name to an elite list.
At a ceremony on May 18, Hume was named as one of the recipients of the 2022 Charles E. Lakin Outstanding Teacher Award. Hume was one of four teachers to receive the award for this year, and was among roughly 180 teachers from 19 area districts nominated for the award in 2022. Hume’s win makes her the fourth teacher from the Essex District to receive a Lakin award.
Hume said that the discovery that she was one of the recipients this year was quite a shock and was unexpected.
“It was a wonderful surprise, and a real honor to be the recipient of that award. It’s such a blessing to have people show that appreciation for something that I love to do every day, “ Hume said.
Hume added that there were a number of different people who put her name forward to be a recipient.
“I know for a fact that some of the students from my classes nominated me, as well as some of my co-workers, and I believe some parents as well. There may have been others that nominated me as well,” commented Hume.
Hume speculated on what might have set her apart from the other nominees, but also said that there were plenty of other teachers just as qualified as she was.
“I love my job, and I think that passion shows when I’m working with students and other teachers, and everyone understands that. I’m thinking that may have helped me stand out a little bit,” Hume said. “But that being said, I’m sure there are many others that deserve this award just as much as I do. In Essex, I work with awesome teachers every day that also deserve this award.”
As a Lakin award recipient, Hume  received a $10,000 prize. Hume said she might have an idea of what she’s going to use that money for.
“There’s been kind of a joke in our house, and I’ve told my husband that I want to buy a boat, so I told him I was going to buy a boat and relax because we do get some time off in the summer. Having a boat would surely allow me to get a little relaxation in.”
On top of that prize, the district itself is also the recipient of a $2,500 prize. Hume said it’s uncertain what that money will be used for.
“I’d like to sit down with other staff members and the administration, and kind of come up with a plan of what we should do with that money. I’ve put some thought into it, but I don’t really have a clear idea of what I want to do with it yet. My hope is that it would go to a great use for the students that they would enjoy,” advised Hume.