Clinton, SC – November 23, 2009 – On Saturday, November 21, during this year’s National Teaching-Family Association (TFA) Conference, Thornwell Family Teachers, Ken and April Haywald, received the Lonnie and Elaine Phillips Award for their outstanding work with children at Thornwell. The couple accepted the award at the 32nd Annual TFA Conference Awards Banquet held at the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston, SC.


The Lonnie and Elaine Phillips Award is given to a Teaching-Family couple or individual practitioner who has demonstrated a level of professional excellence that reflects the highest standards of care. The Haywalds have been Family Teachers at Thornwell Home for Children for 8 years, and were one of the first couples hired after Thornwell’s implementation of the Teaching-Family Model. Since that time, the Haywalds have cared for nearly one hundred elementary school children, all while raising their own two children on Thornwell’s campus.


Ken and April have not only been excellent Family Teachers,” said Thornwell President Skip Stansell, “they have also been strong role models for their peers – particularly in adapting the Teaching-Family Model to work effectively with elementary school age children. We are so thankful for their years of dedicated service.”


In addition to this honor, Thornwell Home for Children was also honored to be the host of the 2009 Teaching-Family Association Conference.


Thornwell Home for Children is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a joyful Christian Community offering hope and wholeness to children and families.