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Awards

At our annual conference, the Indiana Association for the Gifted recognizes outstanding educators, distinguished students, and dedicated leaders and advocates who advance high ability education across Indiana.

These awards celebrate excellence, service, and impact, and they highlight the importance of strong identification, meaningful programming, and thoughtful advocacy for high ability learners.

Award Categories

IAG presents awards in the following categories:

Hazel Feldhusen Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted

The Hazel Feldhusen Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted Award honors a K–12 classroom teacher whose practice reflects excellence in gifted education and a sustained commitment to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of advanced learners. Recipients demonstrate effective differentiation, thoughtful curriculum design, and instructional practices that promote challenge, creativity, and growth for gifted students. This award is sponsored by the Purdue University Gifted Education Resource Institute and includes a $500 honorarium. It is named in honor of Hazel Feldhusen (1928–2007), an accomplished teacher of the gifted in West Lafayette, Indiana, whose work and legacy continue to influence the field.

IAG Distinguished Student Award

The IAG Distinguished Student Awards recognize elementary and middle school students who demonstrate exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, and or the arts. These awards celebrate both accomplishment and potential, while highlighting the unique educational needs of gifted learners. By recognizing students early, IAG seeks to encourage continued growth, curiosity, and engagement. Each recipient receives a $250 award.

IAG Leadership Award

The IAG Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact on gifted education in Indiana. Honorees may include parents, educators, coordinators, administrators, legislators, or other advocates whose work has strengthened programs, policies, or opportunities for high ability students. This award highlights leadership that is collaborative, forward-thinking, and grounded in service.

IAG Friend of the Gifted

The IAG Friend of the Gifted Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the support, advancement, and sustainability of gifted education in Indiana. Recipients may serve in classrooms, schools, districts, or communities and are recognized for their advocacy, leadership, and commitment to ensuring that high ability learners are supported and understood.

Nominations for 2026

Nominations for the 2026 IAG Awards will open on May 1. Current IAG members are invited to submit nominations for each award category. The nomination form and instructions will be posted on this page on May 1.

If you are not yet a member and would like to nominate an outstanding educator, student, leader, or advocate, please consider joining IAG.

Join IAG

2025 Award Recipients

IAG congratulates the 2025 award recipients and thanks them for their extraordinary contributions to high ability education across Indiana.

Hazel Feldhusen Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted

2025 Recipient: Becky Knight

The 2025 recipient was Becky Knight, a veteran Indiana educator with 25 years of experience and a long-standing focus on gifted education. Ms. Knight holds degrees in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a focus on Gifted Education. Over her career, including seven years as a High Ability resource teacher, she has designed learning experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful engagement. She is widely respected for her collaborative leadership, mentorship of colleagues, and ability to integrate gifted education into the broader mission of the school.



IAG Distinguished Student Award

2025 Recipient: Nora Callaway

The 2025 IAG Distinguished Elementary Student was Nora Callaway, an accomplished young learner known for her musical talent, intellectual curiosity, and strong character. A violinist since age five, Nora earned a gold medal and first-place finish in the elementary division of the SoundTide Summer Music Competition. She is active in her school community, participates in garden and chess clubs, and enjoys learning French, reading, gymnastics, and skiing. Teachers describe her as a thoughtful communicator, a supportive peer, and a natural leader who consistently demonstrates integrity and kindness.

IAG Leadership Award

2025 Recipient: Amy Wachnicki

The 2025 IAG Leadership Award recipient was Amy Wachnicki, whose years of service on the IAG Board reflect exceptional vision and commitment. Amy has played key leadership roles across the organization, including service on the Conference, Advocacy, and Handbook Committees, and as IAG President-Elect and President. She provided steady guidance during the challenges of conference planning during the pandemic and later led the Board through the first phase of strategic planning. Her advocacy efforts at the Statehouse helped preserve the High Ability funding line item, strengthening support for gifted students statewide. Amy is also recognized in her school community as a generous mentor whose collaborative approach strengthens instructional practice and school culture. 


IAG Friend of the Gifted

2025 Recipient: Nina Bowman

The 2025 Friend of the Gifted Award recipient was Nina Bowman, a middle school educator with 23 years of service at Perry Meridian Middle School. Nina teaches language arts and social studies, serves on the Perry Township Schools high ability district team, and holds two master’s degrees along with a high ability license. She has been named both Perry Meridian Middle School Teacher of the Year and Perry Township Teacher of the Year. A committed advocate, Nina testified before the Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee, contributing to the preservation of high ability funding in the 2025 state budget. She is also known for mentoring new educators and sharing best practices in gifted education with colleagues and administrators. 


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