2026 Excellence in Education Awards- Press Release
Florence KY, April 22, 2026—More than 500 education professionals from across Northern Kentucky came together Tuesday evening April 21, 2026 to celebrate the Excellence in Education Award Honorees for 2026. This annual event is proudly hosted by the Northern Kentucky Education Council. The event recognizes outstanding students, exceptional teachers, dedicated administrators and staff, and valued community and business partners, as well as leaders who have committed their lives to serving the region.
The keynote speaker was Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, a former educator herself, highlighted the passion, perseverance, and the deep belief of educators, that every student deserves the chance to succeed.
The Northern Kentucky Education Council’s shared mission centers on collaboration, innovation, and expanding opportunities so every student can dream boldly and achieve their goals. The Excellence in Education celebration represents more than a single event, it reflects the impactful work taking place every day in the region’s public schools. The honored individuals exemplify this commitment, inspiring the community and reinforcing the idea that, by working together, there is no limit to what students can accomplish.
The 2026 NKYEC Excellence in Education Award honorees are:
Student Leadership
Reagan Culbertson - Owen County HS
Emily Hall - Dayton HS
Jennifer Hamilton - Ryle HS
Kanak Sahni - Ignite Institute
Madison Utter - Grant County HS
Liza Zengel - Highlands HS
Career & Technical Academic All-Star
Barret Becker - Highlands HS
Emma Bolen - Simon Kenton HS
Gabriel Gross - Holmes HS
Justin Hamilton - Walton-Verona HS
Solomon Pangallo - Beechwood HS
Emma Scherff - Ignite Institute
Samuel Stevens - Ryle HS
Against All Odds
Adrianna Deboard - Campbell County HS
Kayleana Florence - Pendleton County HS
Colton Hurley - Owen County HS
Payton Smith - Ludlow HS
David Zeitz - Carroll County HS
Extraordinary Service
Lindsay Chappell - Florence Elementary School
Stacy Dickerson - Southgate Public School
Hannah Sizemore - Dixie Heights HS
Kerry Tacket - Gallatin County Upper & Lower Elementary Schools
Dr. Kim Visse - Crossroads Elementary School
Donna Watts - Newport HS
One-to-One Distinguished Service Award
Rachael Crawford - Distinguished School Liaison, Glenn O’Swing Elementary School
Angela Gabbard - Distinguished School Administrator, Lindeman Elementary
Dave Schroeder - Distnguished Community Partner, Kenton County Public Library
Golden Apple - Elementary
Rebecca Arnold - Southgate Public School
George Canfield - Steeplechase Elementary School
Sandra Howard - Grant’s Lick Elementary School
Dagny Lucas - Norther Elementary School
Kari Mathews - Stephens Elementary School
Amanda McKinley - Walton-Verona Early Childhood Center
Ruth Palmer - Walton-Verona Intermediate School
Ashley Reusch - Mann Elementary School
Megan Samuel - Southgate Public School
Andy Sherlock - Hillard Collins Elementary School
Brooke Solzsmon - Grandview Elementary School
Sheena Walters - Dry Ridge Elementary School
Marie Zimmerman - Johnson Elementary School
Golden Apple - Middle School
Tonya Cummins - Phillip Sharp MS
Stacy Shaw - Bartlett Educational Center
Kelly Simmons - Carroll County MS
Sally Spencer - Twenhofel MS
Golden Apple - High School
Kelsey Gognat - Owen County HS
Kristen Goodpaster - Ludlow HS
Nate Green - Newport HS
Melissa Hall - Randall Cooper HS
Amanda Hartman - Walton-Verona HS
Claire LaNicce - Highlands HS
Lori Miller - Dayton HS
Katelyn Phillips - Campbell County HS
Jessica Poe - Ignite Institute
April Saylor - Williamstown HS
Wayne Scudder - Gallatin County Schools
Amie Taphouse - Beechwood HS
A.D. Albright Outstanding Administrator of the Year
Heather Dragan - Lincoln Elementary School
Robert J. Storer Visionary Leader Award
Dr. Jaesook Gilbert, Northern Kentucky University
Doug Penix, Gateway Community & Technical College
The Spirit of Determination Award
Carlos Goitia
Bonnie Kinmon
Business Engagement of the Year
Allied Rail Corp. - Andrew Wartman
Community Partner of the Year
Grant County Education Foundation - Carolyn Thomas Thopson
Education Legacy Awards
Matt Baker - Superintendent, Walton-Verona Independent School District
Alvin Garrison - Superintendent, Covington Independent School District
Chad Molley - Superintendent, Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District
Shelli Wilson - Superintendent, Campbell County School District
Friend of Education
Kevin Costello - Executive Director, Boone County Planning & Zoning
Champion for Education
Carri Chandler - President, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Foundation
Lifetime Achievement Award
Kathy Reutman Bryant - Executive Director of Student & Community Services, Boone County School District
Connie Pohlgeers - Director of School Improvement, Campbell County School District
St. Elizabeth Healthcare Foundation
Emeline Apke - Beechwood High School
Leah Beck - Dayton High School/NKU
Catherine Bromley - Beechwood High School
Ava Chisenhall - Dixie Heights High School
Megan Fedor - Notre Dame Academy
Linda France - Notre Dame Academy
Sydney Goins - Pendleton County High School
Lacie Gross - Carroll County High School
Ella Houston - East Central High School
Isobel Java - Boone County High School
Marisa Kent - Notre Dame Academy
Sofia Kodhi - Campbell County High School
Josiah McCain - Williamstown Junior/Senior High School
Colton McClure - South Dearborn High School
Ava Myers - Lawrenceburg High School
Sophia Nordman - Beechwood High School
Arabella Prinzivalli - Dixie Heights High School
Tryniti Reed - Milan High School
Kayla Roell - Milan High School
Rylee Thomas - Boone County High School
Hope Tignor - Dixie Heights High School
Angelina Vera - Ignite Institute
Ryan Weghorn - Campbell County High School
Nora Wilke - Beechwood High School
Braxton Young - Covington Latin School
Eva Zanabria - Switzerland County High School