Articles
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Spotlight: Dexter Hanzel (NE '24)
September 4, 2025Nebraska Milken Educator Dexter Hanzel (NE ‘24) is currently the 7-12 principal at Neligh-Oakdale Jr./Sr. High School. At the time of his Milken Award notification on on February 11, 2025, he was a math and science teacher at the same school. Hanzel’s commitment to his students, colleagues, and community, whether on the field, in the classroom, or through his leadership, is a true example of what it means to serve and inspire.
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Spotlight: Jessica Stoen (ND '24)
September 3, 2025North Dakota Milken Educator Jessica Stoen (ND ‘24) is a second grade educator at Northern Cass Elementary School. Stoen’s passion for teaching sparks curiosity and builds confidence in her second graders through personalized, hands-on lessons, like the annual water cycle science day. Stoen received a Milken Educator Award on Valentine’s Day 2025!
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Spotlight: Dan Gallagher (SD '24)
August 28, 2025South Dakota Milken Educator Dan Gallagher (SD ‘24) is a sixth through eighth grade teacher at Aberdeen Roncalli Middle/Senior High School. Gallagher’s commitment to excellence shines through in his hands-on science projects, like building catapults and creating rollercoasters to teach physics. His dedication goes beyond the classroom, where he encourages selflessness by having basketball players clean the gym after every game. Gallagher received a Milken Educator Award on February 13, 2025.
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Spotlight: Jillian Levreault (MA '24)
August 27, 2025Massachusetts Milken Educator Jillian Levreault (MA ‘24) is a sixth grade science teacher at Southbridge Middle School. By weaving inquiry-based learning into every lesson, she sparks student engagement while fostering connections that extend far beyond the school building. From cheering at school events to leading professional development for her peers, Levreault displays a commitment to excellence that is a true inspiration. Levreault received her Milken Educator Award on February 7, 2025.
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Spotlight: Collin Binko (WY '24)
August 25, 2025Wyoming Milken Educator Collin Binko (WY ‘24) is a Jackson Hole High School fine arts teacher and district K-12 fine arts coordinator. His leadership not only doubled choir enrollment at the middle school, but his cross-curricular approach also helps students connect music with core subjects like math and reading. Binko received a Milken Educator Award on March 12, 2025.
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Spotlight: Micah Depper (ME '24)
August 21, 2025Maine Milken Educator Micah Depper (ME ‘24) is a science teacher at Bath Middle School. Depper has always kept learning exciting for students, from inspiring scientific inquiry in the classroom to creating the“BMS Rock Band,” which was an eight week music club that invites students with little to no musical experience to learn how to play an instrument. Depper received a Milken Educator Award on February 5, 2025.
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Spotlight: Meredith Reid (KS '24)
August 20, 2025Kansas Milken Educator Meredith Reid (KS ‘24) is a seventh through 12th grade music teacher at Girard High School. Reid, a dynamic force in choral music education, has revived and led Girard High School's award-winning choir to new heights. With numerous regional and state accolades, Reid is shaping the future of music in her community. Beyond the classroom, her mentorship, leadership, and dedication to lifelong music appreciation inspire students and educators alike. Reid received her Milken Educator Award on January 8, 2025.
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Spotlight: Kristy Inamasu (HI '24)
August 14, 2025Hawaii Milken Educator Kristy Inamasu (HI ‘24) is a kindergarten teacher at Kalihi Uka Elementary School. Inamasu teaches students to take risks, share ideas, and own their growth in her classroom. A trailblazer at Kalihi Uka, Inamasu leads by example, inspiring both students and fellow educators to embrace creativity and accountability. Inamasu received her Milken Educator Award on January 28, 2025.
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Spotlight: Amanda Duplessy (MS '24)
August 13, 2025Mississippi Milken Educator Amanda Duplessy (MS ‘24) is a K-5 ELA instructional support specialist and previous fifth grade teacher at Oak Grove Elementary School. Duplessy’s commitment to student success shines through in every lesson. By tailoring her curriculum to meet individual needs and fostering leadership in both students and teachers, she inspires academic growth and community engagement. Duplessy received a Milken Educator Award on January 29, 2025.
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Spotlight: Mary Travis (AL '24)
August 12, 2025Alabama Milken Educator Mary Travis (AL ‘24) is a math coach teacher at Dr. Robert W. Gilliard Elementary School. Travis sparks curiosity and inspires future leaders by bringing learning to life with hands-on projects. Beyond the classroom, Travis mentors new educators, shares her expertise districtwide, and fosters lasting connections with her students and their families. Travis received her Milken Educator Award on January 30, 2025.