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Heath Middle Teacher Selected as 2016-2017 Challenger Learning Center Outstanding Educator

WKCTC MEDIA RELEASE: Paducah, KY (05/12/2017) — Heath Middle School sixth grade science teacher, Brandy Roberts, was named the 2016-2017 Challenger Learning Center at Paducah's Outstanding Educator during a surprise presentation at the school wide program May 11.

Staff from the Challenger Center recognized Roberts as the center's eleventh outstanding educator. During the presentation, Roberts received a framed certificate and a $100 gift certificate for science and math supplies donated by Travis School Equipment in Draffenville. In addition, Heath Middle School receives one free mission for the 2017-2018 school year to the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah.

"The Challenger Learning Center program is a comprehensive educational experience for students," Duncan said. "We created this annual award to show our appreciation to the educators who help make our program so successful. We are excited to present this award to Ms. Roberts."

Heath Middle Principal Matthew Blackwell nominated Roberts for this award because "she is an innovative educator that is not afraid to think outside of the box and she bases every instructional decision on what is best for her students."

Duncan said other nominations were received from area schools. Nomination form criteria included:

  • showing enthusiasm for math, science and/or technology education
  • incorporating innovative teaching strategies into curriculum

The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah is one in a network of over 40 centers worldwide. The concept of the Challenger Centers came from the families of the astronauts lost in the Challenger accident. The center in Paducah, located on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, is a result of a partnership between the college and Paducah Junior College, Inc.

The Challenger Learning Center opened on August 16, 2002, and has been flying local students to the moon, Mars and comets ever since. For more information about the center, visit clcpaducah.org.

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West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) has been recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 10 Community College each of the four times the Prize has been awarded by the Aspen Institute and has twice been named a Finalist with Distinction for providing students with strong job training and continuing higher education opportunity, for achieving high completion and transfer rates, and for providing strong employment results for its graduates.

Media Attachments

Heath Middle School sixth grade science teacher named this year's Challenger Learning Center at Paducah’s Outstanding Educator. Brandy Roberts (Center) is all smiles with her award with CLC Director Mellisa Duncan (left) and CLC Education Coordinator Jennifer Reed.

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