Milken Family Fdn

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[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

The Milken Educator Awards tour made its final stop of the 2025-26 season in Hartsdale, New York, adding an incredible educator to the Milken Network on April 17, 2026: The Leffell School ninth through 12th grade social studies teacher Harry Shontz! We surprised the outstanding educator with the Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 cash prize in front of students, colleagues, veteran Milken Educators, and visiting dignitaries. Take a look at how the life-changing surprise was revealed!

@leffellschool

#GoodNews #MilkenAward #MilkenEducator #Emotional #NYTeachers

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

Pittsboro Elementary School fourth grade teacher Shane Henderson (NC ‘25) is pouring his heart back into the Chatham County community that raised him, lifting students through innovative teaching and a powerful growth mindset. From bus driver to beloved teacher, he’s helping his students soar, including a 16-point jump in reading proficiency. Whether leading clubs, mentoring peers, or continuing to fill in as a bus driver when needed, Henderson’s heart of service and compassion shines far beyond his classroom walls. Learn more in his Spotlight interview: https://t.co/eNuJFUMmv3

@HendersonShane @Pboroelementary @chathamcosch @ncpublicschools @mogreenNCDPI

#MilkenAward #MilkenEducator #WeCelebrate #OneChatham

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

The Milken Educator Awards tour landed in Hutto, Texas this 2025-26 season, adding an incredible educator to the Milken family on April 7, 2026: Howard Norman Elementary School kindergarten teacher Olivia Joseph! Milken Educator Awards Vice President Jennifer Fuller surprised the outstanding educator with the Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 cash prize in front of students, colleagues, veteran Milken Educators, and visiting dignitaries. Take a look at how the top-secret surprise was revealed.

@HippoNationSupt @teainfo

#GoodNews #MilkenAward #MilkenEducator #HippoNation #txed

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

Lexcee Oddo (KS ‘25) transforms learning through high expectations, individualized support, and a classroom culture rooted in growth and belonging. From mentoring colleagues to strengthening family engagement, she leads with both purpose and compassion. Her commitment to multilingual learners, relationship-centered teaching, and helping students build confidence in themselves reflects the deep impact she is making within the Turner Elementary community. Learn more in her Spotlight interview: https://t.co/BfwAbtaykW

@ksdehq

#MilkenAward #MilkenEducator

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

Dr. Jeffery Heggs (GA ‘25) transforms learning at Burke County High School by blending innovation, mentorship, and endless encouragement. Whether guiding students to master algebra, analyzing schoolwide data, or building community, he leads with purpose and heart. Learn more in his Spotlight interview: https://t.co/TJ2xlAabQt

@burkecountyHS @BCPS_bears @georgiadeptofed

#MilkenAward #MilkenEducator

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

We’re wrapping up Teacher Appreciation Week by remembering the educators who believe in us. We loved this reflection from Milken Educator Sydney Newton (KY ‘25) on how teachers change lives. Thank you to all teachers who make a difference in the lives of students each and every day!

#TAW #TeacherAppreciationWeek #MilkenEducator #MilkenAward

[New Jersey Department of Education @NewJerseyDOE]

As Teacher Appreciation Week continues, the State Board was proud to recognize Jeanette Capritti of Lawrence Middle School, NJ’s 2025 @Milken Educator! From literacy excellence to supporting the "whole child," we thank all NJ educators for their dedication.

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day! 🍎✨

We’re honoring the educators who spark curiosity, nurture growth, and make a lasting difference in the lives of their students every single day. Thank you for all that you do, today and every day. Tell us about a teacher who has impacted your life in the comments!

#TeacherAppreciationDay #ThankATeacher #MilkenEducator #MilkenAward

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎📚✨

We’re celebrating the educators who inspire curiosity, ignite potential, and shape the future—one student at a time. At Milken Family Foundation, we’re proud to honor the passion, dedication, and impact of teachers everywhere.

Thank you, teachers, for going above and beyond every single day. Make sure to follow us on all of our socials to see our #TAW content!

#TeacherAppreciationWeek #MilkenEducator #MilkenAward

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

California Milken Educator Principal Joel Hudec (CA ‘25) brings a heart of service and fun to Brookside Elementary, whether he’s cheering on students, transforming academics, lending a hand to the janitorial team, or jumping into a game of tetherball at recess. From transforming writing instruction to building a culture of inclusivity, his impact reaches the school community. Every day he elevates students, supports teachers, and shapes the future of his district. Read more in his Spotlight interview: https://t.co/AwPk3nzOC9

@beaumont_sd @CAdepted

#MilkenAward #MilkenEducator #GoodNews #BeaumontUSD #GoFirst #BeAllIn

[Josh Barnett @NIETjbarnett]

NIET is an impactful organization because of the incredible people -- like Devon -- dedicated to a mission of giving all students the opportunity for success. #NIET2026 @Milken @NIETteach

https://t.co/EKzBpizebg

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

We caught up with NIET Director of Service Operations Devon Willis Jones (LA '16) at the NIET conference this month, and we loved getting to hear more about how the Milken Educator Award has impacted her life! A 2016 Milken Educator Award recipient, Jones’ journey from teacher, to principal, to Director of Service Operations at NIET, reflects a deep commitment to education. At the Milken Family Foundation, we’re inspired by people like Jones who champion excellence in education and remind us what’s possible when educators are empowered to lead.

@NIETteach

#NIETConference #MilkenAward #MilkenEducator #ExcellenceInEducation #NIET2026

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

Rhode Island Milken Educator Kyle Spaltholz (RI ‘25) is set apart by his ability to blend data-driven practices with compassion, ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. From integrating technology and leading district-wide initiatives to creating clubs that build belonging and resilience, his impact extends far beyond his school counseling office. Always innovating and connecting, Spaltholz personifies what it means to prioritize student well-being. Learn more in his Spotlight interview: https://t.co/lgyAbUxLC6

@psd_ri @ridepted @ainfantegreen

#MilkenEducator #MilkenAward #AttendanceMattersRI #Cool2BeInSchoolRI #OurKids

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

Here’s to our final #MilkenAward surprise assembly for this 2025-26 season! Last but certainly not least, we’ve come to the Empire State to award another incredible educator. The social studies teacher at The Leffell School puts the “heart” in Hartsdale, New York. We’re ecstatic to welcome Harry Shontz to the Milken Educator Network as the sole recipient of a $25,000 NY Milken Award. Congrats, Harry and welcome to the Milken Educator family!
Click this link to learn more about Harry Shontz (NY ’25): https://t.co/XuZWXV2WSq
@HarryShontz @LeffellSchool @ucdavis @CalAggieAlumni @Mville_U #goodnews #MilkenEducator #OurUCDavis

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

HARTSDALE, NEW YORK—This morning, The Leffell School's staff and students were excited to hear a state of the school presentation with Upper School Principal Eric Bassin. All becomes clear when Milken Educator Awards Founder Lowell Milken takes the mic to surprise ninth through 12th grade social studies teacher Harry Shontz with a 2025-26 New York Milken Educator Award and $25,000! Watch the video to see Shontz’s life-changing day unfold.

@leffellschool

#GoodNews #GoodNewsMovement #Uplifting #MilkenEducator #Emotional #NYTeachers

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

Congratulations to teacher HARRY SHONTZ, recipient of a New York 2025-26 $25K #MilkenAward at The Leffell School in Hartsdale, NY.

Learn more: https://t.co/Iiu5itAxc7

@leffellschool

#GoodNews #GoodNewsMovement #Uplifting #MilkenEducator #Emotional #NYTeachers