Founded in 1985 as an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, the Milken Educator Awards program rewards and inspires excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country with $25,000 unrestricted awards. Not an accolade for “lifetime achievement” or the proverbial gold watch at the exit door, the Milken Educator Awards targets early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.
- 2024 Missouri Milken Educator
Dallas DeWeese
Dr. Dallas DeWeese, Hollister Early Childhood Center, Hollister, MO DeWeese implements a holistic approach to education within his classroom environment by cultivating collaboration amongst his students. DeWeese integrates English language arts, science, and math into his social studies lessons, creating a multifaceted educational experience and reinforcing concepts across the curriculum. DeWeese presents enriching, engaging activities that excite and inspire his students. Students in his classes develop their own student government and civilization and participate in real-world learning activities like the creation of a business plan – complete with a comprehensive proposal, budget, and operations strategy.
DeWeese’s positive influence extends beyond his classroom and throughout the school where he serves as the leader of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) committee, spearheading a team that analyzes behavioral data and identifies trends to help teachers appropriately address issues and implement positive incentives. DeWeese also leads the Fellowship of Christian athletes chapter at Hollister Middle School, coaches basketball and softball, and has served as the seventh-grade team leader and content team leader.
DeWeese earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from College of the Ozarks in 2018 and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction leadership from Evangel University in 2021.
More information about DeWeese, plus photos and videos from today’s surprise assembly, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website using the following link.
Watch the surprise award recognition below
- 2023 Missouri Milken Educators
Leah Lawrence
Leah Lawrence, Hardin Middle School, St. Charles, MO Lawrence fosters a classroom environment where students are highly engaged in their learning, work collaboratively with their classmates, and are able to assess their own learning. Through this and collecting achievement data from her students throughout the year, she is able to provide meaningful feedback to students to help improve their learning. Her students had the opportunity to learn about the writing process through the use of Play-Doh creations. Students created an object and then received feedback from their classmates on how to improve it moving forward. During this lesson, students walked through each step of the writing process in an environment where they weren’t afraid to make mistakes and have fun.
Lawrence serves as the ELA department chair for her school, works as a new teacher mentor, and serves on the school climate committee. These leadership positions provide her the opportunity to use many of her own classroom experiences to shape schoolwide lessons and help improve how the school functions. School leaders share that Lawrence is an invaluable asset to her team and colleagues. She is a teacher who advocates for students and designs innovative, creative, and engaging lessons to meet the academic needs of all her students.
Lawrence earned a bachelor’s in English education in 2007, a master’s in education in 2021, and an education specialist degree in school administration in 2016.
More information about Lawrence, plus photos and videos from today’s surprise assembly, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website using the following link.
Meghan Menchella
Meghan Menchella, Selvidge Middle School, Ballwin, MO Menchella works to ensure her students are not only succeeding academically but are also emotionally healthy. She communicates with families regularly to make sure they have information on the academic goals and needs for their student. Menchella looks for opportunities to engage her students in their learning through current events and uses continuity and change to exhibit how history is relevant to current events. Her classroom is built on the foundations of inquiry and critical thinking, providing students with challenging yet relatable lessons.
Her belief in her students and desire to see them connect with history is contagious. Menchella’s classroom is an environment conducive to learning and speaks to her love of education. Another way of showing her enthusiasm is by leading the Student Leadership Action Team and Student Lighthouse Team to help ensure that her students learn to take ownership of their education and future goals. She also participates in the districtwide Building Lighthouse team and Building Leadership team, serves on different district committees, and mentors new teachers.
Menchella earned a bachelor’s in middle school education, with an emphasis in social studies, from Lindenwood University in 2016, and a master’s in education from Southwest Baptist University in 2018.
More information about Menchella, plus photos and videos from today’s surprise assembly, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website using the following link.
Watch the surprise award recognition below
- 2022 Missouri Milken Educator
Vanessa Thomson
Vanessa Thomson, Chapel Hill Elementary, Gladstone, MO Thomson believes every child can learn and is an expert at differentiating her instruction to meet individual student needs. Her second graders make great strides, especially in writing. During a unit on writing odes, she works alongside her students, writing her own ode to better understand the process and work involved, and brings published poets into the class as mentors. Her classroom is rich with cultural representation, inclusive practices such as community circles and celebrations for every accomplishment, no matter the size. Thomson serves as facilitator for Chapel Hill’s leadership team, collaborating with administrators to set meeting agendas, leading discussions, and ensuring follow-up on school improvement goals and action steps. As a member of the district’s strategic plan action team, Thomson collaborates with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and business partners to develop recommendations for enhancing learning environments for all grades and redesigning professional collaboration. She mentors new and beginning teachers, modeling lessons, observing, providing feedback, and leading professional development during evenings and summers.
“Vanessa is dedicated to each individual student she serves,” said Casi Hodge, Instructional Coordinator of English Language Arts at North Kansas City Schools. “Not only does she get to know them fully in their academics, but she attends student's activities or events outside of the school day. Years later, her students are still connecting with her and want to share their success with her by inviting her to their high school graduations."
Thomson earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from William Jewell College in 2008, and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Baker University in 2013.
More information about Thomson, plus photos and videos from today’s surprise assembly, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website using the following link.
Watch the surprise award recognition below
- 2021 Missouri Milken Educators
Mark Garascia
Garascia is the driving force behind the success of Hancock High School’s alternative education program called PAWS (Providing Alternative Ways to Succeed) — a credit recovery program for students at risk of not graduating. In this program, Garascia has established a culture where students are empowered to set goals, manage their time effectively, and implement motivational strategies, all of which cultivates a passion for education. He utilizes resources and technology to individualize each student’s academic experience in order to optimize success rates in the classroom. The PAWS program is developing a new generation of learners equipped with enhanced skill sets for both college and the workforce. Garascia demonstrates a sincere concern for each student’s well-being and quality of life, which has helped foster invaluable relationships built on trust. Since the implementation of the PAWS program in 2016, Garascia has maintained a 100 percent graduation rate and student attendance has increased from about 45 percent to 95 percent.
“Mark’s innate ability to make connections and build relationships with students, demonstrate genuine concern for student success, and make a real difference in the lives of students is truly remarkable,” said Hancock Place School District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Carl. “Mark possesses the drive and personal traits that connect with students at their level, on their timeline, and in ways that demonstrate a genuine care for individuals, which sets him above other outstanding educators.”
Garascia earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in social studies from St. Louis University, a master’s degree in social science from Webster University, and a master’s degree in reading and literacy from Benedictine College.
Ashley LeRue Gerald
Ashley LeRue Gerald, Lusher Elementary School, Florissant, MO Gerald is a recognized leader within the Hazelwood School District, serving as Lusher Elementary’s National Education Association Representative, Chairperson of the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) Committee, and member of the School Resolution Committee, School Community Committee, and leadership team. She founded Lusher Families in October 2017. In this program, each student is assigned a Lusher faculty or staff member and “families” meet monthly with activities that foster emotional growth and development. Lusher Families has helped to promote a positive school climate. Gerald was honored as the Hazelwood School District’s 2019-20 Teacher of the Year. Gerald is a constant mentor to staff, faculty, and students. She utilizes strategies in her classroom that are research-based, which increase student achievement and engagement. Students in Gerald’s classroom perform at higher levels due to both the high academic and behavioral expectations she sets. She maintains exceptional classroom management strategies while balancing fun and educational opportunities for her students.
"Ashley is a teacher with great compassion and empathy,” said Lusher Elementary Principal Julie Melton. “She is truly dedicated to public education and student achievement.”
Gerald earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in education, both from Lindenwood University.
More information about Garascia and Gerald, plus photos and videos from today’s assemblies, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website using the following links.
Watch the surprise award recognition below
- 2019 Missouri Milken Educator
Melissa Fike
Melissa Fike, Oakland Middle School, Columbia, MO Fike is making that future a reality for students of all aptitudes and backgrounds. A caring educator who makes math proficiency exciting with her engaging personality, Fike goes the extra mile for students when they need a boost — challenging all students to meet and exceed their personal goals. Fike is a role model for students, a mentor for young teachers and a colleague who sees the big picture, as well as the small steps it takes to achieve lasting progress.
"Melissa Fike’s students enjoy and employ mathematics both as a practical matter and as an academic exploration," said Gallagher. "By providing the creative tools to assist in her pupils' math mastery, Fike lets students glimpse the myriad of possibilities that lie ahead. For her relentless dedication and uplifting spirit, we're proud to welcome Fike as a Milken Educator."
“We are thrilled that the Milken Family Foundation recognized Melissa with this award,” said Vandeven. “Her work in the classroom inspires both students and colleagues to perform at the highest levels, and she is a great representative of all Missouri teachers who give their students the best chances to succeed.”
“Ms. Fike lives and teaches resiliency every day,” said Superintendent Peter Stiepleman. “She firmly believes that every student can and will succeed. Her students feel valued and supported and that their progress matters, and we are so very fortunate to have such an amazing educator in Columbia Public Schools."
Fike earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary math education in 2006 from the University of Missouri and a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum in 2013 from Northcentral University.
More information about Fike, plus links to photos and a video from today’s assembly, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website using the following link.
Watch the surprise award recognition below
- Former Missouri Milken Educators