2 Barren County educators surprised with 2026 distinguished educator awards from WKU
GLASGOW, Ky. — Two Barren County educators received surprise recognition Tuesday for their dedication to students and excellence in education.
The 2026 Distinguished Educator Awards from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Western Kentucky University were presented to North Jackson Elementary music teacher Shelby Boggs and Red Cross Elementary first-grade teacher Debra Hughes.
University leaders surprised both educators during presentations at their schools Tuesday afternoon. The honors were presented by Dr. Jennifer Klemm, associate dean of the college, and Dr. Marguerita DeSander, director of the School of Leadership and Professional Studies.
At North Jackson Elementary, Boggs, who teaches visual and performing arts, said she had no idea the recognition was coming.
“I walked by and I saw the big crowd, and I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m not going to go in there,’” Boggs said. “And it was for me. So I was definitely not expecting that.”
Boggs said the award means a great deal to her and reaffirmed her passion for teaching elementary music.
“I never really imagined myself teaching elementary music,” she said. “It’s where my heart is. These kids are so awesome, and just to have this opportunity to teach them and be with them and teach them a love of music is really awesome.”
She said visual and performing arts can provide students with an important outlet while helping them grow creatively.
“It’s so fun to watch them grow and learn to love music and all other performing and visual arts too,” Boggs said.
Boggs also credited North Jackson Elementary’s staff and students for creating a supportive environment.
“I’m just really thankful for North Jackson,” she said. “It’s the best place to be.”
An hour later at Red Cross Elementary, first-grade teacher Debra Hughes was also caught off guard by the surprise award.
“This is my 31st year, and I have loved every minute of it,” Hughes said. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
Hughes, who has spent more than three decades in education, said the recognition feels like the culmination of her career.
“It means everything to me,” she said. “It’s the epitome of my career. It just makes my heart feel big to know that other people see that too.”
She emphasized the importance of the early elementary years, saying building a love for school begins in the classroom.
“You’ve got to make them love school in the beginning,” Hughes said. “You just have to make them feel loved and let them know how important learning is.”
Seeing students celebrate the recognition alongside her made the moment even more meaningful, Hughes added.
“They’re part of the reason I want to come to school every day,” she said.
Both educators said the relationships they build with students are what make teaching rewarding and continue to inspire them year after year.
