Caitlin Stump Named 2025 Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient
HALL COUNTY, Neb. — The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is proud to announce that Caitlin Stump, a Special Education teacher at Grand Island Central Catholic, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award.
As the 20th anniversary recipient, Stump was recognized during a surprise school-wide assembly on December 19, 2025. She received a $5,000 award and—new this year to commemorate the milestone—an additional $2,500 to donate to a charitable cause of her choice.
The award, created in honor of Kim West Dinsdale, recognizes Hall County teachers and counselors who inspire students, lead with heart, and make a lasting impact on their schools and communities. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Excellence in Teaching Award honors Dinsdale’s enduring legacy by uplifting educators whose compassion, excellence, and commitment continue to shape strong schools and a thriving Hall County. This year, a total of 124 nominations were received for 80 different educators.
Stump serves in a unique dual role, supporting students at Grand Island Central Catholic while also carrying a caseload of students across Grand Island Public Schools. This role requires exceptional flexibility, collaboration, and dedication, and allows her to extend her impact across school systems in service of students with diverse needs.
Nominators describe Stump as an educator who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel safe, included, and capable. Her classroom is described as a “safe harbor,” where emotional well-being is prioritized alongside academic growth and students are supported with dignity, understanding, and individualized care.
Beyond academics, Stump is known for creating meaningful opportunities for students to fully participate in school and community life. She has developed friendship groups to strengthen peer relationships, created real-world learning experiences that build confidence and independence, and supports students as they engage in extracurricular activities alongside their peers. In one example highlighted during the nomination process, Stump attends early-morning cheer practices so a student can participate without the stigma of needing a parent present—ensuring the student feels included, confident, and supported.
“We are thrilled to honor Caitlin Stump as this year’s Excellence in Teaching Award recipient,” said Melissa DeLaet, CEO of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. “Caitlin embodies the spirit of this award. Her work reflects deep compassion, tireless advocacy, and a belief that every student deserves the opportunity to belong and succeed.”
“Caitlin’s impact on our school community is extraordinary,” said Dr. Jordan Engle, superintendent of Grand Island Central Catholic Schools. “She leads with humility, professionalism, and an unwavering belief in her students. Because of her, our school is a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive place for all.”
Over the past two decades, 23 educators from schools across Hall County have been honored through the Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award. A full list of recipients can be found at GICF.org.
For more information about the Kim West Dinsdale Excellence in Teaching Award and GGICF’s other community programs, visit GICF.org or call the Community Foundation at 308-381-7767.
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About the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation
The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation was established in 1960 to empower people to turn their passion into purpose by creating legacies that strengthen the future of the communities we serve. Accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the Foundation manages over $38 million in assets and has helped establish hundreds of charitable funds over the past 64 years. The Foundation serves hundreds of donors annually through individual, family, and corporate legacy funds.
Stay updated on the latest happenings at the Foundation by liking us on Facebook and following us on other major social media platforms, as well as subscribing to our newsletter. The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is located at 1503 W 2nd Street, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801.