Friday’s membership recognition lunch was a time to celebrate those who’ve made special contributions to the work of Educators Rising. The national officers began with a rousing round of the conference chant, followed by the introduction of the Educators Rising Champions.

These champions are the adults in students’ communities who continually support the organization. The officers noted that Educators Rising’s mission is hard to argue with, so support for the mission is abundant. There are hundreds of award-worthy supporters, they said, but these champions rise to the top with their unwavering commitment to students, the community, and beyond.

 Partner Organization Division
Kimberly Anderson
National Education Association (DC)

Partner Funder Division
Pugh Family Foundation (LA)

 Teacher Leader Division
Julia Rivas
WKU Young Male Leadership Academy (KY)

School Leader Division
Lamont Holifield
Crete-Monee High School (IL)

District Leader Division
Elizabeth Berquist
Baltimore County Public Schools (MD)

Higher Education Division
Kelli Appel
Illinois State University (IL)

State Department Division
Candace Vinson
Michigan Department of Education (MI)

The national officers also recognized state officers, state regional coordinators, delegates, and Emerging Leader and Distinguished Educator fellows.