Spotlight of the Week: Mark Lowrie
This week, we are proud to shine our spotlight on Mark Lowrie, the 2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year, a distinguished educator and pioneer in the field of broadcast journalism at Gahanna Lincoln High School. Mark Lowrie’s journey is a testament to dedication, innovation, and excellence in education and broadcasting.
Educational and Professional Background:
Mark Lowrie is a graduate of Ohio University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in communication. His initial career spanned 12 successful years in broadcast television, a period that laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in education. Driven by a passion for teaching, Lowrie pursued a master’s degree in education at the University of Akron and obtained his integrated language arts 7-12 license.
Career Achievements:
Lowrie’s impact in the realm of school broadcasting is unparalleled. In his four years at Gahanna Lincoln High School, he has designed four new courses and significantly increased TV class enrollment from 27 to 130 students. His innovative approach and dedication have transformed the school’s broadcasting program into one of the most honored in Ohio.
Under his guidance, students produce “Lincoln Live,” a live newscast streamed throughout the school and across multiple social media platforms, serving as a vital public relations channel for the district. Before his tenure at Gahanna Lincoln, Lowrie spent 18 years at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, where he produced the live, daily newscast “Steele News Live.”
Awards and Recognition:
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has recognized Lowrie’s students with an impressive seven National Student Production Awards (SPAs) and 79 Regional SPAs. In 2022, his students led the nation with three National SPAs, including the prestigious Best Newscast award. Additionally, they received the National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Award, which honors the top four broadcast programs nationally.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, Lowrie was named the 2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year, a testament to his exceptional teaching methods and his dedication to student success.
Additional Contributions:
Beyond his contributions to broadcast journalism, Lowrie has also served as a varsity football assistant coach, assistant athletic director, National Honor Society Advisor, and union-negotiating team member. In 2022, he was honored with the Ohio University Scripps College of Communication Fellowship. Furthering his commitment to leadership in education, Lowrie earned a Master of Arts in school leadership from Concordia University (Chicago) and his Professional Principal License (5-12).
Mark Lowrie’s dedication to fostering excellence in broadcast journalism and his commitment to student success make him a standout educator and leader. We are honored to celebrate his remarkable achievements and the positive impact he continues to make in the lives of his students and the broader community.
