This was the first time in two years the event was held in person and not over zoom. Amber Sergent credited the resilience of students forced to adapt and navigate a global pandemic.
Mandy Perez, from Crittenden County, was named the overall teacher of the year.
Kelly Gates of Hopkins County took home elementary teacher of the year honors.
The top teachers were chosen from 2,000 nominations from all 171 districts. Then, 300 applications were scrutinized and the 24 finalists were named.
Valvoline sponsors the awards and each of the 24 finalists were given $500. The middle, elementary and high school winners were given $3,000 and the overall winner was given $10,000.
