WKCTC 8th Annual Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program winners announced

Paducah, KY (04/07/2025) — Over 200 regional educators, administrators, and staff were recently celebrated for their work at the Eighth Annual Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The red-carpet event-held on March 27-drew a crowd of more than 400 attendees, including educators, family members, friends, and students who came together to honor the evening's awardees.

As the winners in each of the six award categories were named they were asked to make remarks. Each winner expressed their dedication to both their careers and their students. Scott Pile, winner of the Distinguished Faculty 5th - 8th Grade Award, shared his positive experience in education as a 7th grade teacher at Calloway County Middle School. "My wife and I take teaching as an opportunity to love kids and to make them better," Pile said, "It has been an honor to have that opportunity for all these years."

Established in 2017 by WKCTC President Anton Reece, this annual program acknowledges the hard work and dedication of educators, administrators, and support staff who shape the future of students in WKCTC's service area, which spans counties in western Kentucky and southern Illinois. The ceremony highlights the pivotal role these professionals play in their communities, inspiring and preparing the next generation of leaders.

This year, more than 500 nominations were submitted by students, parents, community members, and colleagues from across the region. Of those, over 200 nominees chose to submit an application to be evaluated by a panel of judges using a detailed rubric to determine finalists and winners in each category.

The nominations were divided into six categories, including Distinguished Faculty in Pre-K through 4th, 5th through 8th, and 9th through 12 grades, and Distinguished Administrator. In addition, nominees were recognized with the Cornelia Reece Unsung Hero Awards for both administrative and support staff. The awards are named in honor of Cornelia Reece, a retired educator with over 27 years of service, and wife of WKCTC President Anton Reece.

"We are deeply grateful to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who help make this event a success year after year," said Dr. Reece. "We celebrated the passion and dedication of the region's educators, and we are proud to support the Future Educator's Scholarship Fund, which will help cultivate the next generation of teachers."

Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Ryan Quarles was the keynote speaker for the event and shared words of encouragement to the educators. "Good teachers, in my book, do three things," said Dr. Quarles. "They teach you something about life that's not in the syllabus, they go the extra mile to help you out, and they also inspire you long after you complete the course work."

The winner in each category was asked to give a few remarks after their name was announced. Keri Cornwell, principal of Central Elementary School in Graves County, was the recipient of the Distinguished Administrator Award. "I'm very passionate about education-public education-and I'm very passionate about my building and I want my students to want to come to my building every day," she said in her remarks. "I want my teachers to want to work there and I want the families to trust me every day. I tell my students and my staff, let's be better today a little more than we were yesterday."

Leo McKinely, a math teacher at Paducah Tilghman High School, accepted his award as a tribute to his late sister. "My sister was a teacher as well," said McKinely. "She passed away, but she was such a much better teacher than I ever dreamed to be. So, I'm accepting this in her memory. I try to always inspire my students to let them know I'm not going to let anything be an excuse. You can still dream big and win an award."

The event also included presentations of the 2025 President's Awards to four area educators. The awards honor those who have served in multiple roles in education, and helping students find success in their educational journey.

Neal Bryant, Crittenden County Middle School seventh grade science teacher Neal Bryant was given the President's Award for the 2024-2025 Challenger Learning Center at Paducah's Outstanding Educator. According to his nomination, Mr. Bryant "is a relationship builder. There is joy in his teaching, and he has a unique way of getting students to buy into what he is offering."

Dr. David Meinschein, Livingston County Superintendent; Coy Samons, Murray Independent Schools Superintendent; and Varetta Hurt, retired Paducah Public Schools teacher were all given President's Awards as well.

In addition to recognizing outstanding educators, the event also launched a scholarship fund to support WKCTC students pursuing careers in K-12 education or educational support. Proceeds from the event's sponsorships will directly benefit the Future Educators Scholarship at WKCTC.

Distinguished Faculty Award Finalists (Pre-Kindergarten - 4th Grade)

Winner: Todd Terry, East Calloway County Elementary School Music Teacher

Finalist: Abby Smith, Lyon County Elementary School 3rd Grade Teacher

Finalist: Crystal Teckenbrock, South Marshall Elementary School Special Education Teacher

Distinguished Faculty Award Finalists (5th - 8th Grade)

Winner: Scott Pile, Calloway County Middle School 7th Grade Teacher

Finalist: Patricia Murphy, South Marshall Middle School 7th Grade Teacher

Finalist: Nicki Thompson, Wingo Elementary School 5th Grade Teacher

Distinguished Faculty Grade Award Finalists (9th - 12th Grade)

Winner: Leo McKinely, Paducah Tilghman High School Teacher

Finalist: Stephani Gray, Paducah Tilghman High School Teacher

Finalist: Melanie Lang, McCracken County High School 10th Grade Teacher

Distinguished Administrator Award Finalists

Winner: Keri Cornwell, Central Elementary School Principal

Finalist: Anne Bidwell, Paducah Public Schools Director of Human Resources and Districtwide Communications

Finalist: Kristy Lewis, Paducah Head Start Preschool Director

Cornelia Reece Unsung Hero Support Staff Award Finalists

Winner: Valerie Helm, Ballard County Student Information Administrator

Finalist: Melissa Franklin, North Livingston Elementary School Administrative Assistant

Finalist: Crystal Hunt, Paducah Head Start Preschool Family Advocate

Cornelia Reece Unsung Hero Administrative Staff Award Finalists

Winner: Casaundra Newsome, Paducah Tilghman High School Counselor

Finalist: Wendy Watts, McCracken County High School Counselor

Finalist: Crystal Wesmoland, Crittenden County Family Resource Center Coordinator

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