SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — It was the best kept secret in St. Tammany Parish until around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Every grade at Northshore High School in Slidell had filed into the school’s gym with State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley standing ready to tell them about the school’s improved test scores. Only that’s not why Brumley was there.
Instead, Brumley introduced an entrepreneur from California, Lowell Milken, who has dedicated a chunk of his wealth to reward teachers around the country for their achievements. It’s called the Milken Educator Awards, and it comes with a $25,000 prize. Milken took the mic and let everyone know that the next recipient of the award was in the gym, but none of them knew who it would be, including the person whose name was called.
“The Milken Educator Award goes to Kelly Ryan!” he announced, followed by a burst of cheers and applause. From the back of the gym, science and chemistry teacher Kelly Ryan rose from her chair in disbelief and walked to collect her check.
“I created the Milken Educator Awards 38 years ago,” Milken told WGNO News. “We’ve had 49 recipients in Louisiana.”
Milken doesn’t reveal how his foundation makes its final selections but does make it clear that teachers can not apply for consideration.
“Individuals are brought to our attention who have done something innovative or are powerful instructional leaders or mentors to other teachers, and let’s just say we make the final decision at the foundation.”
Recipients can do whatever they wish with the money. Ryan’s decision might be the most Southeast Louisiana response possible.
“I have a deadline of Feb. 10 to get a new roof for my homeowner’s insurance, and I was just thinking (previously) that I wouldn’t have a roof,” Ryan told WGNO News.
Ryan wasn’t the only recipient on the day. At Harry Hurst Middle School in Destrehan, 6th grade science teacher Lauren Waguespack was also surprised with the award.
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