Nine Polk County Schools educators have received 2025 Priscilla and Ellis D. Slater Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Polk County Community Foundation, funding professional development opportunities that will enhance classroom instruction.
The awards program strengthens local education by supporting teachers’ professional growth through funding for travel experiences related to their teaching subjects, conference attendance and other developmental projects.
“On behalf of Polk County Schools I want to thank the Polk County Community Foundation for their continued support of our local educators through the 2025 Priscilla and Ellis D. Slater Excellence in Teaching Awards,” said Polk County Schools Superintendent Aaron Greene. “This program affords teachers amazing opportunities to learn and grow as people and professionals. Our staff will be participating in experiences that will result in the acquisition of new skills and perspectives, and that can help renew their passion for teaching and learning.”
This year’s recipients and their selected professional development opportunities include:
- Kimberley Benson, Polk County High School: 2025 Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference
- Barry Feldman, Polk County High School: 2026 National Science Teaching Association Conference
- Jamie Kilgore, Tryon Elementary School: City of Dreams Discovery in New York City
- Lindsay Lewis, Tryon Elementary School: 2025 Project Based Learning World Conference
- Kendal Stoney, Tryon Elementary School: Wit & Wisdom Supplemental Learning Expedition in Europe
- Stephanie Uhrich, Saluda Elementary School: Fast and Slow Changes to the Earth’s Surface in Iceland
- Andrea Walter, Polk Central, Sunny View and Tryon Elementary: 2025 National Association for Gifted Education Conference
- Kelly Welch, Tryon Elementary School: Wit & Wisdom Supplemental Learning Expedition in Europe
- Mandy Wolfe, Tryon Elementary School: Français s’il vous plaît in Paris
Greene added that the Foundation’s ongoing support of staff, students and the community makes a positive impact throughout Polk County.
