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Ashland Inc. and Dept. of Education announce partnership; three teachers receive $16,000
Ashland Inc. and Dept. of Education announce partnership; three teachers receive $16,000
Published 02-07-01
Submitted by Ashland, Inc.
Representatives of the Kentucky Department of Education and Ashland Inc., (NYSE:ASH) announced a new partnership today, combining the state's Teacher of the Year Award with the Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards.
Harriet Jo Cornwell Biehle, a fourth grade teacher at Worthington Elementary School in Worthington, Ky., had previously been named the Kentucky Teacher of the Year. Ashland Inc. awarded Biehle a cash award of $10,000. Kathy Proffitt Lowe, a seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher at the Barren County Middle School in Glasgow, Ky., and Cindi Reedy, an English teacher at South Oldham High School in Crestwood, Ky. were named runners up, and each received a cash award of $3,000.
"This marks the thirteenth consecutive year that Ashland has recognized outstanding educators in Kentucky, " said Paul W. Chellgren. "Each year, when I meet these award-winning teachers I am encouraged that public education is in very capable hands, and that our students are being taught by energetic, caring and dedicated individuals. I am also excited about our new partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, combining their Teacher of the Year program with our Teacher Achievement Awards program. Together, we can bring more attention to the achievement of the outstanding teachers of Kentucky. They deserve our support," Chellgren concluded.
Since 1988, Ashland Inc. has recognized outstanding Kentucky educators with its Teacher Achievement Awards. More than $325,000 has been awarded to 130 teachers of grades K to 12. Applications have been judged by a panel of state and nationally recognized educators and administrators.
"I applaud Ashland Inc. and the Kentucky Department of Education for joining forces to recognize the true leaders of our educational system, our outstanding teachers. I view these awards of recognition as another tool we can provide to foster quality teaching and educational excellence, which is critical to the success of our children, our communities, our state and our nation," said Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton.
Ashland announced that its Teacher Achievement Awards program will partner with the Kentucky Teacher Of The Year program, and that application forms for the new 2002 year program will be available statewide by mid-February. The deadline for applications will be April 2. The winners will be announced in late May, in conjunction with national teacher appreciation month.
"A partnership of this magnitude, with a central focus of elevating the teaching profession, is a perfect way to honor excellence and symbolize the tireless efforts of more than 42,000 Kentucky teachers," said Dr. Marlene Helm, secretary of the Kentucky education, arts and humanities cabinet. "In a profession that offers no great monetary rewards, this partnership will motivate all educators to strive for the highest achievements and the greatest service. Equally as important, this program will help us focus public attention on the vital contributions educators make to our society," Dr. Helm concluded.
"Ashland Inc.'s commitment to KERA and education excellence is well-known, and I'm excited about this new partnership," said Kentucky Education Commissioner Gene Wilhoit. "This brings long-overdue recognition and compensation to Kentucky's Teachers of the Year and to teachers across the Commonwealth."
Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) is a Fortune 250 company providing products, services, and customer solutions throughout the world. Our businesses include road construction, specialty chemicals, lubricants, car-care products, chemical and plastics distribution and transportation fuels. Through the dedication of our employees, we are "The Who In How Things Work". Find us at www.ashland.com.
