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Derek Tharp Joins AR Milken Educators

What's happening at Southside Middle School in Batesville? Everyone's excited for an assembly with several special guests. Then, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett, representing Milken Family Foundation, takes the microphone and surprises fifth grade math teacher Derek Tharp with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award! Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva joined Dr. Barnett to honor Tharp’s excellence in education in front of cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. Click through the photos below to follow the educator's career-changing surprise.