Block was nominated for the award by Hancock County Superintendent Danny Kaser, who said she embodies all six pillars of character: trustworthiness, caring, respect, responsibility, citizenship and fairness.  

“For nearly three decades, Bonnie has been steadfast in modeling ideal character traits and expecting students to demonstrate respect and responsibility in her classroom,” Kaser said. “When we see Bonnie Block, we know we can count on her to be fair, concerned respectful and responsible. When students have the privilege of having her as their teacher, their character blossoms.”  

The Paul J. Morris Character Educator of the Year Award is named after former West Virginia Board of Education member Paul Morris, who received the first Character Educator of the Year Award in 2003. Morris, who died in 2005, served on the state Board for about 25 years.  

“Character education has become such an important part of our children’s education,” said state Schools Superintendent Steve Paine. “Ms. Block not only teaches the six pillars, but lives them everyday and instills their lessons in her students at Weir High School.”