Articles
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Spotlight: Vanessa Smith (NC '24)
July 24, 2025North Carolina Milken Educator Vanessa Smith (NC ‘24) is a Croft Community School first grade teacher. Smith tailors instruction to meet each student's needs by creating a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes peer-based problem-solving. As a passionate leader and advocate for equity in education, Smith's dedication extends beyond the classroom, mentoring fellow teachers and driving change in her community. Smith received a 2024-25 North Carolina Milken Educator Award on December 18, 2024.
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Spotlight: Adam Wolfe (WV '24)
July 23, 2025West Virginia Milken Educator Adam Wolfe (WV ‘24) is a ninth through twelfth grade math and engineering teacher at Nitro High School. Wolfe empowers his students by blending hands-on learning with real-world applications, from designing community projects to creating innovative solutions. A former engineer, he fosters partnerships that connect classroom lessons with local organizations, preparing students for success in academics and the workforce. Wolfe received a 2024-25 West Virginia Milken Educator Award on December 17, 2024.
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Spotlight: Katie Lanter (IN '24)
July 15, 2025Indiana Milken Educator Katie Lanter (IN ‘24) is an English Language Arts teacher at South Ripley Junior High School in Versailles. Lanter is committed to maximizing student outcomes through data-driven strategies. As a leader, she not only shapes the classroom, but also drives schoolwide success, from guiding accreditation efforts to preparing students for high school. Lanter received a 2024-25 Indiana Milken Educator Award on December 12, 2024.
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Spotlight: Ashley Johnson (IN '24)
July 9, 2025Indiana Milken Educator Ashley Johnson (IN ‘24) is a ninth through twelfth grade business teacher at DeKalb High School in Waterloo, Indiana. Johnson utilizes real-life, hands-on learning strategies in her entrepreneurship, accounting, personal finance, and banking classes to ensure students are prepared to excel in life. Johnson received a 2024-25 Indiana Milken Educator Award on December 13, 2024.
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Spotlight: Charday Wilson (LA '24)
July 1, 2025Louisiana Milken Educator Charday Wilson (LA ‘24) is a master teacher at Logansport High School in Logansport, Louisiana. Wilson is a true hometown hero, inspiring students through teaching and coaching at her alma mater. Wilson transforms classrooms and empowers students to thrive in every area of life. Wilson received a 2024-25 Louisiana Milken Educator Award on December 5, 2024.
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Spotlight: Jenna Stewart (KY '24)
June 27, 2025Kentucky Milken Educator Jenna Stewart (KY ‘24) is a fifth grade math teacher at Longbranch Elementary School in Union, KY. Stewart is passionate about student growth, preparing her students to be leaders in every area of their lives. Stewart received a 2024-25 Kentucky Milken Educator Award on December 11, 2025
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Spotlight: Kyle Cook (LA '24)
June 20, 2025Louisiana Milken Educator Kyle Cook (LA ‘24) is a band director and mentor teacher at Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur, Louisiana. Cook inspires students through his dynamic band program, where more than half the student body will participate in 2025-26. His innovative teaching connects music with core subjects, fostering academic and personal growth while holding students to high standards. Cook received a 2024-25 Louisiana Milken Educator Award on December 5, 2024.
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Spotlight: Ashley Davis (LA '24)
June 16, 2025Louisiana Milken Educator Ashley Davis (LA ‘24) is a fourth grade math teacher at Central Intermediate School in Central, Louisiana. Davis empowers her students by creating a classroom where general and special education students learn together, fostering collaboration, confidence and social-emotional growth. Davis received a 2024-25 Louisiana Milken Educator Award on December 4, 2024, making her the 3,000th Milken Educator Award recipient.
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Spotlight: Marcus Ross (ID '24)
June 5, 2025Idaho Milken Educator Marcus Ross (ID ‘24) is an eighth and ninth grade teacher and former student at Lakes Middle School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Ross uses creativity and connection in the classroom, from creating mystery games for teaching statistics to implementing a unique classroom management system for keeping his students engaged and motivated. Ross received a 2024-25 Idaho Milken Educator Award on November 20, 2024.
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Spotlight: Maria Santonastaso (RI '24)
June 2, 2025Rhode Island Milken Educator Maria Santonastaso (RI ‘24) is a kindergarten teacher at Glen Hills Elementary School in Cranston. Santonastaso is known for inspiring curiosity and creativity for each student through mindfulness, collaborative teaching, and project-based learning. Santonastaso received a 2024–25 Rhode Island Milken Educator Award on October 22, 2024, launching the 2024-25 Milken Educator Award season.