Four Hamilton teachers are taking home a John Rozema Award for Teacher Excellence.

The award recognizes teachers at independent Christian schools in Ontario who improve school culture in addition to academic performance.

Laurie Koning at Hamilton’s Guido de Bres High School and Jonathan De Vries at Hamilton District Christian High School are each taking home $5,000.

Koning won in a new category – global perspective.

The geography and science teacher created a campaign where her students used presentations, bracelets and fundraisers to raise awareness about the drought and war that plague Sudan.

De Vries won in the creative and performing arts category.

His students used the Bruce Trail as inspiration for paintings, they sold the paintings to raise awareness about the eco-park system.

Richard Van Egmond and Jared Patus at Hamilton District Christian High school earned the group excellence award for their co-op and career exploration programs.

The John Rozema Awards for Teacher Excellence are presented in partnership with the Christian School Foundation.