2015 Educator of the Year and Student of the Year
 
The Rotary Club of Andover thanks Robert Huntley Photography for donating the photography for Citizens Who Care and Education & Student of the Year.  Thank you!
 
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Mark Mercer
Andover High School teacher Mark Mercer has a passion for teaching music.  Mark teaches Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Show Choir, music theory, and music production.  Mark’s students give over 35 performances each year at school and in the community.  Under Mark’s direction, Andover High School choirs have performed in Orlando, Washington DC, Chicago, and most recently, Branson, Missouri. Mark is a champion for music teachers, “music teachers don’t always get the credit they deserve” for the major impact music can have in the student’s life.  Music can build confidence in students.  He fosters an environment that is fair and respectful, but also comes with high expectations.  Mark instituted EPIC, Exceptional Performance comes from Individual Commitment, to encourage students to give their best.  Mark brought The Tri-M Music Honor Society to Andover High School, to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. 
 
 
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Caitlin Patten
When she was ten years old, Caitlin’s family started volunteering at Lazarus House once a month, cooking and serving meals for 30 or more people.  The experience made Caitlin realize how much she wants to help make a positive difference in people’s lives.  A member of the varsity soccer team, Caitlin participates in the Warrior Way, a program where student athletes visit middle school classrooms to talk about leadership skills. Caitlin demonstrates those leadership skills as part of Student to Student, in which seniors mentor incoming freshman as they navigate their first semester of high school.  Caitlin continued to mentor students through the Frost School Program, mentoring 3rd and 4th grade students at the Robert Frost Elementary School in Lawrence on reading and math.  Caitlin connected with her students and wanted to continue working with them after the semester ended.  That wasn’t an option as a school course, so Caitlin made the commitment to continue working with her classes as an after school activity.