High school teacher wins Gerhold award

A life sciences teacher at Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus, Joan Lahm, has won the 19th annual William and Barbara Gerhold Family Teacher of the Year Award.

Awarded Feb. 2 as part of Catholic Schools Week, the $5,000 award is split three ways: $1,500 for personal use, $1,000 for professional development and $2,500 to benefit students.

In her 22nd year at the school, Lahm teaches life science, biology and anatomy/physiology. Among other things, she also has served as student council adviser, coached junior high volleyball and sponsored the Green Club and Teens for Life. She also has been active in the community, including as a volunteer for a local emergency pregnancy center and coach for youth soccer and softball.

A member of St. Bonaventure Parish in Columbus, Lahm and her husband, Merlin, who is the activities director, assistant principal and a coach at Scotus, have three children, all graduates of the high school.