By Joan C. McKinney,director, Office of University Comm., and Maurizio Petito, graduate
student, School of Education

CAMPBELLSVILLE —  Kentucky’s 2017 Elementary Teacher of the Year, Kellie Jones of Taylor County’s Intermediate School, urged the teachers to whom she spoke at Campbellsville University to “keep your passion for teaching” and “Students today need passionate and energetic influence in their learning and in their lives.”
Jones addressed the 190 teachers throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky throughout 69 districts as they received Campbellsville University’s Excellence in Teaching Awards during the 31st annual ceremony Saturday, May 20 in Ransdell Chapel.
Jones told the teachers, during her first year of teaching, she was expecting her first child, and she received an apple and an inspirational message daily from one of her students.
She said the notes encouraged her and were treasured by her. “They helped me to stay focused on finding the good in all situations and encouraged me to strive to accomplish goals with perseverance,” she said.
Jones, who has taught 25 years and who is a Campbellsville University alumna, told the teachers to find their “great potential to be a positive influence for both your colleagues and your students.
“I want to encourage Kentucky teachers to search ways to continually grow, go after your passions, step out and take risks and encourage your coworkers and students to do the same.” 
She encouraged the teachers to be “world class” and not just “middle class” or in other words “good enough.”
“Our students, our families, our communities and our nation deserve a brighter future and you have the opportunity to impact that.
“You can be influential to make a positive change during the time that you have your students in your care. The encouragement for students to strive to become all that they can be will build a brighter future for us all.”
Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Beverly Ennis, dean of the School of Education presented the certificates to the teachers before a luncheon in Winters Dining Hall.
Hedgepath, who has taught in the public-school system, told the teachers, “We celebrate you today. You can’t pay enough money for wonderful teachers. We applaud the best of the best of teachers today.” 
Ennis said, “Teaching is the profession that creates all others,” is a motto hanging in Campbellsville University’s School of Education building.
We don’t celebrate teachers enough. We are honored today to celebrate hard-working teachers. Thank you for your service to the children of Kentucky.” 
She said Campbellsville University is the most diverse private college in Kentucky and is in the top five lowest debt colleges in the southern region of the United States.
Dr. John Chowning, executive assistant to the president of Campbellsville University for government, community and constituent relations, introduced Kellie Jones and read the names of the honorees.
Kelli Evans, a Campbellsville University student, sang, and Corey Bonds,assistant director of bands and instructor in music, accompanied her on piano.
Dr. Shane Garrison, vice president for enrollment services, gave the benediction before the luncheon.
At this 31st annual program, CU recognized 190 teachers from 69 school districts. A total of 3,580 teachers have been recognized for their teaching excellence throughout the years.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program is in partnership with Lexington’s CBS-affiliate, WKYT-TV.
Lincoln County – Michael Rowe, superintendent; Joy Robertson, Highland Elementary School; Dixie Lay, Lincoln County Middle School; and Agatha Manion, Lincoln County High School.
Robertson teaches intermediate science at Highland Elementary School, where she has taught since 1999. 
She graduated in 1995 from Lincoln County High School. In 1999, Robertson received a bachelor of science degree from Lindsey Wilson College. In 2005, she obtained her master of arts degree from Eastern Kentucky University. 
She is married to Chad Robertson; they have three children: Garrett, Kaegan and Gabby Robertson. Her parents are Peggy and James Board from Stanford, Ky.
 Lay teaches English and language arts at Lincoln County Middle School, where she has been working since 2005. 
Lay graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1977. She attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she obtained her bachelor of science degree in 1990 and her master of science degree in 1997. 
Lay is married to Jeff Lay and has two children, Jennifer Rhodus and Leah Carmicle. She is the daughter of Shelby Jean Bertram from Stanford, Ky.
 Manion teaches French at Lincoln County High School, where she has worked since 2011. 
Manion graduated from Highlands High School in 2005. She attended University of Kentucky, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in French and Music in 2009 and her Master of Arts in French in 2011. 
She is married to McClee Manion. Her parents are Kahty and Tom Clixby from Ft. Thomas, Ky.
Campbellsville University is a widely-acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 5,000 students offering over 80 programs of study including 19 master’s degrees, six postgraduate areas and seven pre-professional programs. The website for information is campbellsville.edu.