THE LEE FLAXER AWARD — HONORING THE PEOPLE WHO SHOW UP FOR SHARON'S KIDS
- Sharon Education Foundation
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Lee Flaxer served as principal of Heights Elementary School for many years. By most accounts, he was the kind of leader who understood that a school is only as good as the culture inside it — and that culture is built on compassion, trust, and caring about individual kids.
Every year, SEF honors someone who carries that forward.
The Lee Flaxer Award
The Lee Flaxer Award goes to a person — teacher, coach, school staff member, or community member — who has made a meaningful and continuing impact on the lives of children in Sharon. The award isn't limited to educators. It's open to anyone who has shown genuine, sustained dedication to kids, whether inside the school buildings or out in the broader community.
Past recipients show just how wide that definition can be:
2021: Chuck Fazio
2020: Diana Kinney
2019: Kathy Kaplan
2018: Alex Mellman
2017: Elizabeth Murphy
2016: Craig Szczepanski
2015: Jane Levine
2014: Al and Judy Lipsky
2013: Officer Michael Hocking
That list includes a police officer, longtime volunteers, educators, and advocates. What they share is a commitment to showing up for Sharon's children in a real way — not once, but consistently over time.
How to Nominate Someone
If there's someone in your life — a teacher, a coach, a neighbor, a school aide, a youth program leader — who fits this description, we want to hear about them. Nominations are open to educators and community members alike.
The nomination process is simple. We ask you to describe the person's impact: what they do, who it affects, and why it matters. The story tells itself when the right person is nominated.
Why This Award Matters
Sharon is full of people who give their time and energy to kids without expecting anything in return. The Lee Flaxer Award is one way the community says: we see you, and it matters.
If you know someone who deserves that recognition, nominate them.
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