Articles
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Spotlight: Holly Hunter (IA '24)
August 6, 2025Iowa Milken Educator Holly Hunter (IA ‘24) is an English language arts and reading teacher at Davis Elementary School. As a leader in her school and district, Hunter fosters a culture of growth and empowerment, supporting both students and colleagues through continuous learning and development. With a focus on building confidence, community and lifelong skills, Hunter creates a lasting impact on every child she teaches. Hunter received her Milken Educator Award on January 16, 2025.
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Spotlight: Derek Tharp (AR '24)
August 4, 2025Arkansas Milken Educator Derek Tharp (AR ‘24) was a Southside Middle School math teacher when he received his Milken Award. This fall, he will be assistant principal at Southside Elementary School. In his role as a Southside Middle school math teacher, he went above and beyond to ensure student success, providing support before school, after school, and even during lunch. Tharp leads by example, empowering students and fellow educators to reach their full potential. Tharp received an Arkansas Milken Educator Award on January 9, 2025.
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Spotlight: Emily Snyder (AK '24)
July 31, 2025Alaska Milken Educator Emily Snyder (AK ‘24) is a reading specialist and instructional coach at Nenana City School District. Through her passion for literacy and leadership in the district, Snyder helps students take ownership of their learning and drives growth and excellence districtwide. Snyder received a 2024-25 Milken Educator Award on December 19, 2024.
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Spotlight: Rashinda Billie (NM '24)
July 29, 2025New Mexico Milken Educator Rashinda Billie (NM ‘24) is a fifth grade teacher at Kirtland Elementary School. Billie’s classroom is a dynamic space where learning comes to life through hands-on experiences and innovative teaching methods. A proud member of the Navajo community, she fosters growth, curiosity and excitement in her fifth graders, leading them to thrive academically and personally. Billie received a 2024-25 Milken Educator Award on January 15, 2025.
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Spotlight: Dallas DeWeese (MO '24)
July 28, 2025Dallas DeWeese (MO ‘24) was a Hollister Middle School social studies teacher when he received Missouri’s 2024-25 Milken Educator Award on December 19, 2024. Below, Dallas reflects on his work at the school, where he integrated social studies with English, science, and math, creating a rich, interdisciplinary environment that inspired student engagement and fosters essential real-world skills. He brings this same spirit to his new role as assistant principal at Hollister Early Childhood Center within the same district.
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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.