A fourth-grade teacher at Oakridge Elementary School in Brookfield has been named the latest recipient in Mississippi of the distinguished Milken Educator Award, which comes with a $25,000 prize.
Sarah Thompson, who teaches at Oakridge Upper Elementary, was surprised with the award during a schoolwide assembly held on Thursday.
The Milken Educator Award is presented annually to exceptional educators across the country in recognition of their dedication, innovative teaching methods, and leadership within their schools and communities.
The award was presented by Milken Educator Awards Vice President Rachel Carter, accompanied by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Michael Harper, in front of students, staff, local officials, and media representatives.
“Sarah Thompson cultivates an environment where curiosity is encouraged and every student feels supported and inspired to achieve,” said Carter, who herself received the Milken Educator Award in Virginia in 2005. “Her enthusiasm, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her students foster both academic excellence and personal growth. We are excited to welcome Sarah to the national Milken Educator Network.”
A graduate of Mississippi State University, Thompson becomes the 80th educator in Mississippi to receive the honor.
“The Mississippi Department of Education congratulates Ms. Thompson for her dedication to building a thriving educational community, supporting both student success and professional growth among colleagues,” said Dr. Harper. “As a new Milken Educator from Mississippi, we are proud to have her represent our state’s commitment to excellence on a national platform.”
This year, Thompson is one of only thirty educators nationwide to be recognized with the Milken Educator Award.
