DoDEA Pacific Region nominates Dr. Keri Lohmeier for 2020 Secretary of Defense Outstanding Civilian Employee with Disabilities Award

The Department of Defense Education Activity - Pacific is proud to announce its nomination for the 2020 Secretary of Defense Outstanding Civilian Employee with Disabilities Award, DoDEA Virtual High School Assistant Principal Dr. Keri Lohmeier.

Dr. Lohmeier has nine years of federal experience working for DoDEA as both an assistant principal and teacher. Her previous experience also includes serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and exceptional children’s director in public schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate degree, all from the University of Arizona.

“As an individual born legally blind, being nominated for this award is an incredible honor,” Dr. Lohmeier said. “Individuals with disabilities have so much to contribute to the workforce, and with technology, access to the world is virtually limitless. I’m extremely proud to work for DoDEA and the Virtual High School. Serving our incredible military families is humbling and inspiring. Our students demonstrate every day the power of resiliency and the ability to overcome obstacles. They are role models to me!”

Pacific Region Director Lois Rapp describes Dr. Lohmeier as an outstanding educator with a positive attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to support students. These traits were notably demonstrated in her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In our Pacific schools, we had to react quickly to transition our teachers and students to a virtual environment, an environment that was new and challenging for many of our staff members,” Rapp said. “With Keri’s virtual teaching experience, she created and implemented ‘just in time’ training for our teachers and administrators as well as expanded opportunities and support through the current high school virtual model. Her calm and methodical approach really made a difference.”

The 2020 Secretary of Defense Awards for Outstanding Civilian Employees with Disabilities honors civilian employees with disabilities who have supported the DoD mission or overseas contingency operations, whose professional contributions to the workplace have been exemplary, and whose attributes best epitomize the qualities and core values of DoD.

About DoDEA

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for school-aged children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Educational Activities throughout the United States that serve children of military families.