Regional educators recognized at REASP awards ceremony

Published on Mar 27, 2026

Educators and education professionals from across the region were honored during last night’s Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program, celebrating excellence, dedication, and impact in education.

The event recognized a record number of nominees, with the top 20 in each category honored and the top three finalists announced live, followed by the reveal of each category’s overall winner. The evening highlighted the meaningful work being done in classrooms, schools, and support roles throughout the region.

Award finalists and winners

Distinguished Faculty Award (Pre-K–2nd Grade)

Finalists: Shelby Oakley (Sharpe Elementary School), Keristen Sawyer (Paducah Head Start), Laura Pratt (Paducah Head Start)
Winner: Shelby Oakley

Distinguished Faculty Award (3rd–5th Grade)

Finalists: Ashli Gore (Calvert City Elementary), Mallory Dunnaway (Morgan Elementary School), Kathy Colvett (Benton Elementary School)
Winner: Ashli Gore

Distinguished Faculty Award (6th–8th Grade)

Finalists: Courtney Bishop (North Marshall Middle School), Sarah Sleadd (Graves County Middle School), Brittney Clere (Mayfield Middle School)
Winner: Courtney Bishop

Distinguished Faculty Award (9th–12th Grade)

Finalists: Sarah Hultman (Murray High School), Sarah Brooks (McCracken County High School), Michele Stephens (Fulton Independent High School)
Winner: Sarah Hultman

Technical Faculty Award (9th–12th Grade) — new this year

Finalists: Brittany Forgey (Murray High School), TiErica McKinney (Carlisle County High School), Andrea Heisner (McCracken County High School)
Winner: Brittany Forgey

Distinguished Administrator Award

Finalists: Amber Parker (Ballard County Middle School), Brad Darnall (South Marshall Elementary School), Stephenie Wheeler (Clark Elementary School)
Winner: Amber Parker

Cornelia Reece Unsung Hero Administrative Staff Award

Finalists: Jared Frazier (Morgan Elementary School), Lorelei Walters (Carlisle County Elementary School), Melissa Elrod (Benton & Central Elementary Schools)
Winner: Jared Frazier

Cornelia Reece Unsung Hero Support Staff Award

Finalists: Gretchen Morgan (Clark Elementary School), Monica Ingram (Ballard Memorial High School), Katrina Franklin (Clark Elementary School)
Winner: Gretchen Morgan

Special recognitions

President’s Award recipients

Russ Telford, retired Lyon County superintendent
Doris Benberry, retired educator, Paducah Public Schools
Nancy Powless, retired educator, McCracken County Schools

Challenger Learning Center Outstanding Educator Award

Presented to the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative

 
The REASP program highlights educators and staff members who make a lasting difference in the lives of students and communities across the region. From classroom teachers to administrators and support staff, each honoree represents a deep commitment to educational excellence.

Additional photos from the event will be shared on the WKCTC Facebook page as they become available. WKCTC Facebook page 

For more information about REASP and a full list of nominees, visit:
https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/community/regional-educators/index.aspx