Sarah Szymanski, who teaches second grade at Soaring Eagles Elementary School in Colorado Springs, won the Milken Award late in December. The award brings with it a prize of $25,000.
Szymanski was surprised by a ceremony attended by Lowell Milken, the co-founder and chairman of the Milken Family Foundation, and Katy Anthes, the Colorado Education Commissioner. Szymanski is the only Colorado teacher to win the award for the school year 2018-2019. No fewer than 40 teachers from throughout the nation will receive the award. Ceremonies like this can be more fun if organizers use banner printing to create colorful decorations.
Milken praised Szymanski's teaching, say that she recognized all students deserve a good education, and also knows the kinds of challenges they have to overcome every day. She builds on the strengths they already have to help them solve any problems that arise, thereby making sure they succeed. He added that successful students make a society as a whole stronger.
Commissioner Anthes agreed with Milken, saying Szymanski advocates for her students, and her colleagues as well. She strives to improve herself as a teacher, and reaches out to mentor other teachers, encouraging them to do their finest work.
Other praise came from Dr. Wendy Birhanzel of the Harrison School District, who said that Szymanski expects a lot from her students, both as learners and as citizens. Since she challenges them, they rise to meet her expectations.
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