MADISON, MISS– The Milken Educator Award was presented to Allison Ruhl, a Madison Station Elementary first grade teacher during a surprise ceremony Wednesday. Governor Phil Bryant and First Lady Deborah Bryant presented the award check of $25,000 to Ruhl after an interactive game with the students at the assembly which spelled out the amount of the prize.
“Think about it, there’s only one teacher in Mississippi to get this award,” said Gov. Bryant. “Think how amazing it is to pick through all these great teachers in Mississippi and find that one.”
Gov. Bryant praised Ruhl’s hard work before revealing that she had won the award.
“I don’t have to tell you how she not only shared her time and talents with students, but with other teachers as well,” said Gov. Bryant.
Lady Bryant ripped the envelope open, and as Ruhl’s name was called, the kids in the auditorium cheered.
Ruhl said she was floored.
“This wasn’t expected,” said Ruhl. “Not at all.”
Ruhl has been a teacher for 12 years, and has been at Madison Station for the past five years. Despite the award not being expected, she’s made plans with the $25,000.
“First, the girls and I will visit my sister in California,” said Ruhl. “The rest will go to travel. We love to travel, and it’s good for lifetime education.”
Jane Foley is the Senior Vice President for the Milken Family Foundation, and said that Ruhl shined as this year’s Mississippi candidate for the award.
“You can’t be nominated, you can’t apply,” said Foley. “We search out the top one percent for the award and that’s why we’re here for Allison Ruhl.”
Foley called Ruhl an unsung hero, vouching her innovative teaching methods and the great success of her students, who all excel in every subject area.
Ruhl’s coworkers couldn’t agree more.
“She’s not afraid to do the hard work, even when the kids are struggling,” said Susan Branson, Ruhl’s assistant teacher. “She’s innovative.. and patient.”
Ruhl was one of 35 teachers to accept the award this year. 71 Mississippi teachers have accepted the award since the state joined the Milken program in 1991.
