Citizens Bank, Batesville Schools honor Candice Swaim for going ‘Above & Beyond’

Candice Swaim, ESOL Teacher at Eagle Mountain Elementary School, was named Monday to receive the October “Citizens Bank Above & Beyond Award.”

Since 2012, Citizens Bank and the Batesville School District have recognized staff members who go “above and beyond” to realize the district’s mission to empower today's students for tomorrow's challenges. Staff in all schools and departments throughout the district nominate award recipients, who receive a Certificate of Excellence, a $25 gift card and a 16-ounce insulated cup from Citizens Bank. The award is presented at the Batesville School Board meeting each month.

With her dedication and kindhearted spirit, Candice has helped my students succeed and graduate from the ESOL program. Her peers spoke of the joy and skill she shares with both them and her students:

• “Candice is a hard-working, kindhearted teacher. She loves our students and makes sure they know it. She communicates with the classroom teachers and keeps us up to date on what is going on. She is always calm and deals with each situation as it comes. Our students are successful because of her dedication to them.”

• “Candice is an exceptional teacher! She works extremely hard with our ESOL students and has helped many graduate from the program. Not only is she great with her students, but she is great with her peers. Often you see her collaborating or joking around with staff. She is well respected and she has earned so much more than just one recognition.”

• “Candice is always very organized, always has the answer (and if not she'll find it), loves all her ESOL kids, is very goal oriented, and comes to work to get stuff done! She's so sweet and is a joy to work with on top of all the other things!."