Milken Educator Awards

08/13/2026

Dr. Christian Stanley’s (AL ’25) students are engaged in every aspect of farm management aligned with their coursework at the Pike County Agriscience Academy—Alabama’s only dual-enrollment agricultural program—located on the campus of Goshen High School. On the 25-acre space, they raise cattle and goats, manage greenhouses, restore tractors, and more—supplying some 120 pounds of lettuce weekly for school lunch programs, as well as meat and plants to the community. Stanley not only fuels students’ passion for feeding the world, but also instills in them compassion, confidence and selflessness to contribute meaningfully to society. That’s food for thought they will never forget.

Learn more here: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/connections/articles/view/spotlight-christian-stanley-al-25

Alabama Department of Education

08/10/2026

Dr. Jeffery Heggs (GA '25) reflected on what his time at the 2026 MEA Forum meant to him and how it will continue to inspire his work as an educator.

In his reflection, he shared, "The entire Forum was incredible, but what stood out most was the shared heartbeat of our cohort. Being surrounded by educators who match your passion to love, give hope, educate, and mentor the next generation of leaders was deeply validating and inspiring."

Click this link to read more reflections on this year’s Forum from our new and veteran Milken Educators: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/connections/articles/view/2026-forum-learning-for-back-to-school?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAadvqSWBxX0l1Dqad5RrByrb7bbVShn12iooHozdsQJ7ej5vywVQ6vgYTxshhQ_aem_dgMZO9v_yv6kX1dCchCUmg

08/05/2026

Troy University alum Dr. Jeffery Heggs was officially recognized as the 2025-2026 Georgia Milken Educator Award recipient at the Milken Educator Awards Forum held in Washington, D.C. in June.

08/05/2026

Rhode Island Milken Educator Kyle Spaltholz (RI '25) is reflecting on key moments and insights from this year's MEA Forum.

Reflecting on this year's MEA Forum, Kyle shared, "After the Milken Educator Awards Forum, I left feeling renewed and motivated as an educator. I felt on fire with inspiration after being surrounded by educators who are equally passionate about their commitment to their school communities and furthering the field of education. I am bringing this energy and support from the other Milken Educators back to my home state to create meaningful change for our students."

Click this link to read more reflections on this year’s Forum from our new and veteran Milken Educators: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/connections/articles/view/2026-forum-learning-for-back-to-school

07/30/2026

As our Milken Educators embark on a new school year, they’re reflecting on key moments, insights, and takeaways from the 2026 Milken Educator Awards Forum that they will carry with them throughout the school year ahead. Arizona Milken Educator Angelica Garcia shares how the Forum continues to motivate her.

Reflecting on the Forum, Angelica shared “Growth is not found in staying where things feel safe. Our students teach us something new every day, and they deserve educators who are willing to keep learning, keep improving, and keep advocating for them.”

Click this link to read more reflections on this year’s Forum from our new and veteran Milken Educators: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/connections/articles/view/2026-forum-learning-for-back-to-school

07/23/2026

As elementary principal at Riverwalk Academy in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Erica McCray (SC ’25) works alongside her faculty to create a positive, nurturing environment for all. Centered on project-based learning, Riverwalk encourages students to take ownership of their education—developing critical skills beyond academics, such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving and teamwork. The result has been notable achievement growth, strong relationships, and high teacher retention.

Learn more in her spotlight interview: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/connections/articles/view/spotlight-erica-mccray-sc-25

South Carolina Department of Education

07/15/2026

Olivia Joseph, Texas’s 2025 Milken Educator Award recipient, was recently recognized in Washington, D.C., for her outstanding leadership and impact on students. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor; we're proud to have you represent Texas!

Learn more about the recipients and the Milken Family Foundation: milkeneducatorawards.org.

📷: Milken Educator Awards

07/15/2026

Dave Mason (CT ’25) has transformed Bacon Academy’s Manufacturing program into the largest elective in eastern Connecticut, with more than 130 students enrolled—including a third of them female. Benefiting from state-of-the-art equipment, students learn welding, machining, plasma cutting, metal fabrication and CNC operation, all while gaining the opportunity to receive college credit, earn pre-apprenticeship hours, and build industry relationships. No matter what avenue they pursue, students leave Mason’s class ready for the workforce and life.

Learn more in his spotlight interview: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/connections/articles/view/spotlight-dave-mason-ct-25

Connecticut State Department of Education

07/13/2026

🥳 Celebrate! 🎉 Elevate! Activate! The 2025 class of Milken Educator Awards recipients, including Garrid Halsey of Laramie, recently traveled from across the country to attend the Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C.

The event provided a powerful opportunity for honorees to network, learn to take their impact to the next level, and be celebrated at the Spotlight of Excellence Gala in deserved celebrity fashion.

07/01/2026