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Louisville, Kentucky Elementary School Principal Wins the Prestigious Milken Award – the ‘Oscar of Education’

Allyson Vitato Says Part of the $25,000 Will Be Used for School Expenses  

January 15, 2015

SANTA MONICA, CA— Allyson Vitato, principal at Breckinridge-Franklin Elementary School in the Jefferson County public school district, is Kentucky’s newest recipient of the Milken Educator Award and $25,000.

Education Commissioner Terry Holliday; Jefferson County Superintendent Donna Hargens; Milken Educator Awards senior vice president Dr. Jane Foley and other dignitaries surprised Vitato with the award today during an all-school assembly.

“This award brings attention to our most valuable educational resource – our hardworking, dedicated educators,” Holliday said. “The work is not always easy. There are challenges every day. But we value and appreciate Kentucky educators who are focused on ensuring all of our students meet high expectations and graduate from high school college/career-ready.”

Vitato joined the school district in 2002 and began her tenure as Breckinridge-Franklin’s principal in 2010. She has served as a middle school assistant principal, a resource teacher and an exceptional child education (ECE) teacher. Vitato earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, and holds master’s degrees from Spalding University and the University of the Cumberlands. She is pursuing a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville.

During her tenure as Breckinridge-Franklin’s principal, the number of its students scoring proficient or better on state assessments has grown, with documented gains in every subject and at every grade level.

"We are very proud of the exciting success of Breckinridge-Franklin's students under the leadership of Allyson Vitato," said JCPS Superintendent Donna Hargens. “Ms.Vitato is an exceptional educator who believes that every child can learn and inspires teachers with her passion for the supports they need to make that happen. Allyson Vitato is clearly a superstar principal moving students forward and improving our school district."

Vitato also supports teachers’ collaborative learning, and enhances students’ learning through partnerships with a number of local organizations – soliciting extra resources and providing innovative afterschool programming not often accessible in an urban elementary school. She also sets high expectations for every student, with each student in the school having an intervention plan that identifies his or her strengths and weaknesses.

“Allyson Vitato has a dramatic influence on her school and its students; I can say that, without a doubt. She exemplifies the best of what we seek in a Milken Educator,” said Milken’s Foley, a former principal and herself a recipient of the award.

As Kentucky’s Milken Educator Award winner, Vitato received a check for $25,000. There are no restrictions on use of the award – the winners use the money in any way they choose.

The Milken Educator Award provides public recognition and a cash reward to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and other education professionals. The foundation established the educator award program in 1985,

with the first award given in 1987. Kentucky started participating in 1993 and, since then, 54 Kentucky educators have received the award.

Alternating yearly between elementary and secondary educators, the Awards are sourced through each participating state department of education, which appoints an independent blue ribbon committee to confidentially review candidates for recommendation to MFF.

Past recipients have used their Awards to finance their children’s education or their own continuing education. Others have financed dream field trips, established scholarships and even funded the adoption of children.

To get regular updates on notifications, follow the #TeachForTheStars and #MilkenAward hashtags on Twitter and Instagram.

For information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/newsroom/media-kit or call MFF at (310) 570-4775.  Like the Awards at www.facebook.com/milkeneducatorawards, follow us at www.twitter.com/milken, watch the reaction videos at www.youtube.com/milkenaward and find us on http://instagram.com/milkenfamilyfdn.

The Milken Educator Awards program, created by the Milken Family Foundation, was launched in 1987. The Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish.

 

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