Beech Tree News Network

Richmond (August 1, 2013)-- Each year, KECSAC and the State Agency Children School Administrators Association (SACSAA) recognize exemplary educators and support personnel at the annual Alternative Strategies for Educating Students At-Risk Conference. These honors are designed to highlight the dedication and skill that teachers, administrators, and support staff in KECSAC programs bring to the education of students at-risk. Today, outstanding teachers, school administrators, and staff persons seek out positions in KECSAC programs because they can immediately see the impact they have on these vulnerable students’ lives and careers. These students come to KECSAC programs with a multitude of challenges; many are several grade levels behind in both reading and math. When they finally get the individualized attention of truly excellent teachers, they thrive. So these “outstanding” awards are really going to the most “outstanding” of a highly qualified, professional and inspiring population of educators. 
 
This year’s 12th annual Alternative Strategies for Educating Students At-Risk Conference was held on July 24 – 25 at Eastern Kentucky University.  Nearly 300 educators from across the state gathered to learn from each other and from renowned experts in the education field. Mrs. Teresa James was present to honor four outstanding educators and three inspirational students. The Commissioner of DCBS shared with the group the importance of their work of educating Kentucky’s at-risk students and presented the awards.

Along with presentations of outstanding school administrator, teacher, and student of the year, two outstanding school support staff was recognized.  This year’s Outstanding School Support Staff of the Year Award winner was Joy Duvall of the Green River Youth Development Center in the Butler County School District.  Mrs. Duvall is described as someone who cares very deeply about the students and wants them to be successful. She has taken on many leadership roles, not only in school but in the larger community. She is an asset to her school as well as her district. She is extremely organized and can work independently to ensure that the job gets completed. She is a very driven individual who is constantly trying to improve her life and the lives of anyone she encounters.

Also, presented at the conference were three outstanding students of the year awards for KECSAC students across the commonwealth. Two of the recipients were former Green River School students Keyontrez Johnson  and Jason Lee. These two young men have worked very hard to receive these awards and accomplishments. Each got $500.00 to go towards higher education.