Nancy Karaffa Gill presented the 2025 Joseph and Anna Marie Karaffa Award for Excellence in Education to Kelli Naylor. Mrs. Naylor has been employed by the Toronto City School District since 2019 and previously taught for eight years in the Buckeye Local School District. She is a high school Math teacher at Toronto Jr.-Sr. High School. Mrs. Naylor is a graduate of Bethany University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and at the University of Texas at Arlington where she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. She serves as the Student Senate Advisor, High School Head Cheerleading Coach, and as an adjunct professor for Belmont College.
According to the award nominators, Mrs. Naylor is a devoted and compassionate teacher whose unwavering commitment to her students sets her apart. She works tirelessly to help her students grow academically. Her willingness to support her students extends far beyond the walls of her classroom. Mrs. Naylor makes herself available before and after school, offering tutoring, guidance, and a listening ear whenever needed. Determined to lead her students down the right path, Mrs. Naylor serves as both a mentor and a role model. She encourages responsibility, integrity, and resilience, helping her students build the confidence and character they need to succeed. With a heart for teaching and a passion for making a difference, Mrs. Naylor inspires her students to strive for excellence and to believe in themselves every step of the way. Mrs. Naylor and her husband Levi, the School Psychologist for Toronto City Schools, have three daughters Kendelle, McKenzie, and Isabella. The family resides in Rayland, Ohio.
The Joseph and Anna Marie Karaffa Award for Excellence in Education is presented annually to a teacher or administrator active in Toronto City Schools. The award was established to recognize the efforts of an outstanding teacher or administrator for creating an environment where teaching and learning are valued. Past recipients include: Johnathan Durand (2024), Kayla Mosti (2023), Bill Stone (2022), Amanda Speece (2022), Annie Silverthorn (2021), Tim Fisher (2019), Michelle Blazek (2018), Rick Hlivko (2017), Cindy Hinerman (2016), Kirk George (2015), Sally George (2015), Jane Brower (2013), Jennifer Dickinson (2012), Donna McCasland (2011), Ellen Hughes (2010), Mary Jo Kuhn (2009), Lynda Glenn (2008), Charlene Starr (2007), Linda Blair (2006), Linda Antonucci (2005), Gary Fisher (2004), Maureen Taggart (2003), James Ray (2002), Susan Buckham (2001), Barbara Carter (2000), Kirk George (1999), and Barbara Pritts (1998). Nominations for the award were accepted from students, teachers, administrators, parents, and alumni.