WKU names winners of Distinguished Educator Awards
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Western Kentucky University’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences has announced the recipients of this year’s WKU Distinguished Educator Awards.
According to a release by the university, the awards honor exemplary preschool through 12th grade educators within WKU’s service region in Kentucky who demonstrate remarkable dedication and contributions to their profession.
Now in its fifth year, the university says the DEA received an overwhelming response with a total of 104 nominations across all 10 categories.
Faculty members from the School of Teacher Education reviewed the nominations to select the finalists and ultimately, the winners. Each winner was chosen for their exceptional commitment and impact in their respective fields.
The winners of the WKU Distinguished Educator Awards, along with their nomination category, school and district, are as follows:
- Melinda Bush – Elementary – North Jackson Elementary – Barren County Schools
- Jacqueline Brangers – Middle – West Hardin Middle – Hardin County Schools
- Kelley Bauer – High School – Barren County High – Barren County Schools
- Mike Mantooth – Special Education – Adair County Elementary – Adair County Schools
- Cynthia Wells – PE/Health – Green County Intermediate – Green County Schools
- Kathy Austin – Visual/Performing Arts – Alvaton Elementary – Warren County Schools
- Renee Hale – Innovation – Drakes Creek Middle – Warren County Schools
- Amy Schallert – Diversity – Natcher Elementary – Warren County Schools
- Robin Crawford – Teacher Mentor – Meece Middle – Somerset Independent Schools
- Briana Pulliam – Literacy – South Hancock Elementary – Hancock County Schools
CEBS dean, Dr. Corinne Murphy, personally surprised each winner at their school, presenting them with their well-deserved award.
In addition to the honor, each recipient received a special prize. Furthermore, their names will be commemorated on a plaque housed in the esteemed Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame, located in Gary Ransdell Hall on WKU’s campus.
For information about the WKU Distinguished Educator Awards, visit https://www.wku.edu/cebs/educatorawards.php.
