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Campbellsville U. honors 190 teachers across 69 KY school districts for excellence in teaching

From left are: Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs; Scott Howard, superintendent; James Felty, Jr., North Butler Elementary School; Holly Elmore, Butler County Middle School; Joanna Embry, Butler County High School; Michael Gruber, principal, Butler County High School; and Dr. Beverly Ennis, dean of the Campbellsville University School of Education. (Campbellsville University Photo by Drew Tucker)

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky’s 2017 Elementary Teacher of the Year, Kellie Jones of Taylor County’s Intermediate School, urged the teachers to whom she spoke at Campbellsville University to “keep your passion for teaching” and “Students today need passionate and energetic influence in their learning and in their lives.”
Jones addressed the 190 teachers throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky throughout 69 districts as they received Campbellsville University’s Excellence in Teaching Awards during the 31st annual ceremony Saturday, May 20 in Ransdell Chapel.
Jones told the teachers, during her first year of teaching, she was expecting her first child, and she received an apple and an inspirational message daily from one of her students.
She said the notes encouraged her and were treasured by her. “They helped me to stay focused on finding the good in all situations and encouraged me to strive to accomplish goals with perseverance,” she said.
Jones, who has taught 25 years and who is a Campbellsville University alumna, told the teachers to find their “great potential to be a positive influence for both your colleagues and your students.
“I want to encourage Kentucky teachers to search ways to continually grow, go after your passions, step out and take risks and encourage your coworkers and students to do the same.”
She encouraged the teachers to be “world class” and not just “middle class” or in other words “good enough.”
“Our students, our families, our communities and our nation deserve a brighter future and you have the opportunity to impact that.
“You can be influential to make a positive change during the time that you have your students in your care. The encouragement for students to strive to become all that they can be will build a brighter future for us all.”
Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Beverly Ennis, dean of the School of Education presented the certificates to the teachers before a luncheon in Winters Dining Hall.
Hedgepath, who has taught in the public-school system, told the teachers, “We celebrate you today. You can’t pay enough money for wonderful teachers. We applaud the best of the best of teachers today.”
Ennis said, “Teaching is the profession that creates all others,” is a motto hanging in Campbellsville University’s School of Education building.
“We don’t celebrate teachers enough. We are honored today to celebrate hard-working teachers. Thank you for your service to the children of Kentucky.”
She said Campbellsville University is the most diverse private college in Kentucky and is in the top five lowest debt colleges in the southern region of the United States.
Dr. John Chowning, executive assistant to the president of Campbellsville University for government, community and constituent relations, introduced Kellie Jones and read the names of the honorees.
     Kelli Evans, a Campbellsville University student, sang, and Corey Bonds, assistant director of bands and instructor in music, accompanied her on piano.
Dr. Shane Garrison, vice president for enrollment services, gave the benediction before the luncheon.
At this 31th annual program, CU recognized 190 teachers from 69 school districts. A total of 3,580 teachers have been recognized for their teaching excellence throughout the years.
     The Excellence in Teaching Awards program is in partnership with Lexington’s CBS-affiliate, WKYT-TV.
Butler County – Daniel Scott Howard, superintendent; James Felty Jr., North Butler Elementary; Holly Elmore, Butler County Middle School; and Joanna Embry, Butler County High School.
Felty is a fifth grade math teacher at North Butler Elementary, where he has taught since 2005.
He graduated from Butler County High School in 1991. He attended Western Kentucky University, where he obtained his bachelor of science degree in 1995 and his master of arts degree in 2004.
Felty has two children, Jessica Mae and Jamie Elaine Felty. His parents are Elaine and Ronnie Felty from Morgantown, Ky.
Elmore is an English language arts teacher at Butler County Middle School. She has been teaching in this school since 1994.
She graduated from Butler County High School in 1986. Elmore obtained her bachelor of arts degree from Western Kentucky University in 1990 and her masters’ degree 1999 from the same school.
She is married to Michael Elmore and has 5 children: Rylee and Avery McKee, Haley and Seth Elmore and Shayla Marr. Her parents are LoRei Deweese from Morgantown, Ky. and the late Anthony McKinney.
Embry is a special education teacher at Butler County High School, where she has been working since 1994.
She graduated from Warren Central High School in Bowling Green, Ky. in 1978. She attended Western Kentucky University, where she obtained her bachelors’ degree in 1994 and her Rank II in 2001.
She is married to Barry Embry, they have two children, Ammi and Aaron Embry. Her parents are Martha and John Schaeufele of Bowling Green, Ky.
Campbellsville University is a widely-acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 5,000 students offering over 80 programs of study including 19 master’s degrees, six postgraduate areas and seven pre-professional programs. The university has off-campus centers in Louisville, Harrodsburg, Somerset and Hodgenville with instructional sites in Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Summersville and a full complement of online programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

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