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Dear Milken Educators and Champions of Education,

Even as the 2014-15 Milken Educator Award notifications wind down, there’s been no shortage of excitement and inspiration as we traveled to the great states of Hawaii, Arkansas and Louisiana last week to surprise and honor three more outstanding educators who are making a huge impact in their schools.

We are pleased to introduce the next group of innovative educators who empower and motivate their students and colleagues every day.

Jana Fukada (HI '14) – Curriculum Coach at Mililani Uka Elementary School in Mililani, Hawaii

Fun fact about Jana: Jana is currently working on earning her doctorate from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education–in Los Angeles where the Milken Educator Awards originated.  Learn more about Jana and see photos from her award assembly.

Don't miss: As an emotionally overwhelmed Jana makes it to the front of the room to accept the Milken Educator Award, her colleagues and dignitaries shower her with colorful lei’s–a symbol of affection in Hawaiian culture. Watch the video >>

Carman McBride (AR '14) – Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) Facilitator at Don R. Roberts Elementary School in Little Rock, Arkansas

Fun fact about Carman: Carman creates EAST projects that have a direct correlation to her student’s lives. A recent project, “Delete Blood Cancer,” was developed due to a student who has a relative fighting the disease.  People were encouraged to enroll in the National Blood Marrow Registry as part of that campaign. Learn more about Carman and see photos from her award assembly.

Don’t miss: Carman’s emotion-packed speech:  "I love what I do, I love every single day of it," she said. "So, this is just icing on the cake!" Watch the video >>

Lindsey Parker (LA '14) – TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement Master Teacher at North DeSoto Elementary 3-5 School in Stonewall, Louisiana

Fun fact about Lindsey: Lindsey is a fourth-generation educator and her passion for teaching has resulted in significant gains in Language Arts performance at her school.  Learn more about Lindsey and see photos from her award assembly.

Don’t miss: Lindsey’s sincere reaction and tears of joy as her name is called as the next Milken Educator for the state of Louisiana. Watch the video >>

It can be easy to accept an award and move on once the excitement has died down. But Milken Educators, through their continued dedication to the teaching profession, know that the opportunity and responsibility to share their insights and ideas only grows after being named among the top educators in the nation.

We look forward to hearing from our three newest honorees and know they will continue to be seen as leaders in their field and role models for those educators striving to do better.

Congratulations!

Sincerely,

Rebekah Schilperoort

Web Writer & Content Manager, Milken Family Foundation

What do you want to see in this newsletter? As the writer and editor of this newsletter, I would like to make it both a fun and informative resource for subscribers. Please feel free to reach out to me with suggestions on what you would like to see covered here: rschilperoort@mff.org, 310-570-4771.