Jonathan S. Scherling, 鈥�07, of Omaha, Nebraska, is the first recipient of the Dr. Frank Turk Excellence in Education Award of the . This award was created for educators in the community who have made significant contributions to the improvement of education for students in Nebraska who are deaf or hard of hearing. The award is in honor of Dr. Frank R. Turk, 鈥�52, a former NCDHH Board member with nearly one-half century of experience in leadership and education roles.

Scherling taught American Sign Language at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. He had leadership experience at both the state and national level, including the Nebraska Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf.

NCDHH board chair Jeremy Fitzpatrick worked with community and education leaders to create the award. 鈥淛onathan is a great choice as the first recipient of the Frank Turk Excellence in Education Award,鈥� he said. 鈥淗is passion for teaching and advocating for deaf students is inspiring and Jonathan is well-deserving of this recognition.鈥�

Dr. Turk has worked with Jonathan on numerous educational and legislative projects in advocating for Nebraskans. 鈥淎s a deaf role model, Jonathan shows how deaf children’s fourth 鈥楻鈥� of education, resourcefulness, can effectively prepare them for life after school,鈥� said Dr. Turk.

Said Scherling upon receiving this award, 鈥淚t is such an honor to receive the Dr. Frank Turk Excellence in Education Award this year. I am grateful to know Dr. Turk, and he has taught me the importance of working collaboratively with leaders in education to develop the next generation of leaders.鈥�