Dr. Ovett Chapman Jr. of Pendergast Elementary School District is Recognized with National Award for Excellence from The American Consortium for Equity in Education

PHOENIX ― November 30, 2022 ― Pendergast Elementary School District and the Excellence in Equity Awards are pleased to announce that Dr. Ovett Chapman Jr. has been chosen as a winner in the category: Champion of Equity - Mental Health Professional.

This competitive awards program presented by the American Consortium for Equity in Education received more than 160 total nominations from across the U.S., plus a number of submissions from abroad. After the judges’ review, Dr. Chapman was selected as a winning nominee based on outstanding achievement in supporting educational equity for all learners. 

“It’s an honor and a privilege—and just plain exciting—to announce the winners of the inaugural Excellence in Equity Awards program,” said Ross Romano, Program Chair of the Excellence in Equity Awards and Strategic Advisor to the American Consortium for Equity in Education. “Over the past handful of months, we’ve observed consistent interest in the program and in the overall mission of ensuring equitable opportunity for all students as a non-negotiable priority. Each of our nominees deserves our praise for their daily efforts, and we are especially pleased to recognize our winners.”

Dr. Chapman is the Lead School Psychologist for PESD and each day, he works with all twelve schools in the district to ensure student mental health needs are being met. He has improved practices for foster care youth and exemplifies a can-do attitude by giving his attention to every student in the district.

As an award winner, he will receive benefits and recognition including:

• His choice of professional development books provided to the Pendergast Elementary School District courtesy of awards program publishing partner Times 10 Publications
• An invitation to be a guest on EduTalk Radio, the Consortium’s flagship podcast
• An invitation to write an online article for the Access & Equity K-12 Journal
• A spotlight feature in the January special issue of the Journal dedicated to award winners
• A choice of complimentary e-book from Times 10 Publications
• Social media spotlights 

“Winning this award is an incredible honor,” said Dr. Chapman. “Equity is the core value of the work I do every day, and it is tremendous to be counted amongst such a distinguished group of professionals who positively impact the lives of children across the country.”

Each nominee, finalist, and winner of the Excellence in Equity Awards has made invaluable contributions to improving opportunity and outcomes for students. Visit ace-ed.org to learn more about all the winners and contact [email protected] to learn about getting involved with future programs. 

Additionally, Arizona State Senator Martin Quezada was recognized as a Champion of Equity - District Leadership also for Pendergast Elementary School District.  

About the Excellence in Equity Awards

The Excellence in Equity Awards program recognizes the companies, nonprofits, leaders, and educators whose work contributes to the critical goal of ensuring access and equity for every learner. Learn more at www.ace-ed.org/awards.

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Media Contacts:
​Jennifer Harrison for AC&E
​[email protected]916-716-0636

Tweet: Dr. Chapman of Pendergast Elementary School District wins Excellence in Equity award from AC&E ( @access2equityed ). Named “Campion of Equity - Mental Health Professional” #education #hero #edchat

Summary: Dr. Chapman of Pendergast Elementary School District named Champion of #Equity - Mental Health Professional. Wins Excellence in Equity Award from the American Consortium for Equity in Education.

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