Stark County teacher wins Genocide Educator of the Year honor

Lake Middle High School's Elisa Case recognized for her decades of impactful genocide education work.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a teacher's desk with an open book, a pencil, and a small chalkboard, conceptually representing the passion and creativity of an educator focused on genocide studies.A teacher's dedication to genocide education is celebrated through a vibrant pop art interpretation of classroom essentials.Hartville Today

Elisa Case, an English/language arts and social studies teacher at Lake Middle High School in Stark County, Ohio, has been named the 2026 Genocide Educator of the Year by the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission. Case will receive the award at the 46th annual Governor's Holocaust Commemoration event on April 13 in Columbus.

Why it matters

Genocide education is a critical part of social studies curricula, helping students develop empathy, understand historical atrocities, and learn how to prevent future acts of mass violence. Case's award recognizes her decades of impactful teaching on these important topics in her local community.

The details

Over her 40-year teaching career, Case has received several awards and grants for her work. She has attended many trainings on genocide education and was a participant on the Commission's 'Holocaust by Bullets' In-Field Seminar with Yahad–In Unum in June 2025. 'Elisa's kindness and empathy for others make her a great leader and teacher,' said Commission Executive Director Holly Hollingsworth.

  • Case has taught at Lake Middle High School since 2000.
  • She will receive the Genocide Educator of the Year award on April 13, 2026.

The players

Elisa Case

An English/language arts and social studies teacher at Lake Middle High School in Stark County, Ohio, who has been named the 2026 Genocide Educator of the Year.

Holly Hollingsworth

The Executive Director of the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission, which is presenting the award to Case.

Dr. Henry Fenichel

The featured speaker at the 46th annual Governor's Holocaust Commemoration event where Case will receive her award.

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What they’re saying

“Elisa's kindness and empathy for others make her a great leader and teacher. We are inspired by her passion for and commitment to teaching, and her dedication to her students and her community. Elisa embodies our vision: ensuring all Ohioans have access to high quality genocide education.”

— Holly Hollingsworth, Executive Director, Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission

What’s next

Case will be formally presented with the Genocide Educator of the Year award at the 46th annual Governor's Holocaust Commemoration event on April 13, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

The takeaway

Elisa Case's decades of impactful genocide education work in her local community have earned her statewide recognition, highlighting the critical importance of teaching students about historical atrocities and empowering them to prevent future acts of mass violence.