Luella Atkins ReactsMilken Award Presented to Luella Atkins

The passion that Luella Atkins, an Airport Elementary School reading coach and 10-year veteran of the Ferguson-Florissant School District, has for her students earned her the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. Ms. Atkins learned of the honor, and the $25,000 check that accompanied it, during a surprise school assembly.

"Everything happens to me because of you," she told fellow teachers and 330 Airport Elementary School students who gathered for an assembly. Ms. Atkins is one of just 100 educators nationwide honored by the Milken Family Foundation this year.

"Ms. Atkins is a role model for setting and achieving personal goals and is absolutely loved by all out students," said Airport Principal Rosetta Patton. "She is known for her outstanding depth of knowledge and willingness to do what it takes to nurture children's ability to learn and grow."

Added Ferguson-Florissant School District Superintendent Jeffrey R. Spiegel, "Luella Atkins' passion reflects the District's focus on helping every student achieve at high levels."

The award was presented by Lowell Milken, chairman of the foundation named for his family. "You can't apply for our award," he said. "You don't find us; we find you."

Also attending the ceremony were Missouri's Deputy Commissioner of Education Bert Schulte and former football great Rosey Grier.

Airport Elementary School students said Ms. Atkins deserves the recognition. "She always says, 'Don't say you can't,'" said Melanie Gray, 11, a sixth grader.

Her classmate Blake Harmon, 11, also a sixth grader, said, "She doesn't ever let you give up."

Hampton Named District’s Teacher of the Year

Kevin Hampton, an English and video production instructor at McCluer North High School and the District’s video production coordinator, is the 2006-07 Teacher of the Year.

Although he works tirelessly behind the scenes, Mr. Hampton puts the District in the forefront by helping students produce FFTV, a local cable television show that airs on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. on Charter Communications Channel 21. He is admired by colleagues, students, and parents for his dedication to helping others achieve excellence while modeling positive character traits.

“He is an extremely conscientious and hardworking person who believes in improving the human condition, striving towards own personal excellence, and building relationships to cross all boundaries,” said Dr. Shane Hopper, McCluer North’s principal. “His work is above and beyond, whether putting together district cable shows late in the evening or repeatedly teaching students hands-on activities until they get it right.”

Mr. Hampton has taught in the District for 15 years. He began his career as an English teacher at Cross Keys Middle School in 1992 and then transferred to McCluer North in 1997 to teach English and video production.

Mr. Hampton earned a bachelor of science degree in animal science from University of Missouri at Columbia. He earned both a teacher certification and master of arts degree in secondary education/English from University of Missouri at St. Louis.

Janis Named Support Staff Member of the Year

Heike Janis, the office manager at Ferguson Middle School, has been named Ferguson Florissant Support Staff Member of the Year. Mrs. Janis has worked at the middle school for the last 11 years.

Mrs. Janis is known for her extraordinary skill of multi-tasking while keeping composed and maintaining sensitivity to the needs of other staff members, students, and parents. In addition to her responsibility as the office professional for the principal, Mrs. Janis is in charge of three other subsidiary offices. Mrs. Janis’s traits of resourcefulness, dedication, and strong work ethic have made her a role model for others to emulate.

“ Heike represents the heartbeat and positive first impression of Ferguson Middle School,” says Principal Susan Kelly. “Every person is important to her and she expresses this with listening skills and genuine desire to help. At all times and in all situations, Heike shows courtesy, patience and professionalism.”

In addition to her regular workload, Mrs. Janis can be found volunteering at school dances and other student functions after school, being a guest reader in the classroom, or coordinating recognition events for other staff members.

Mrs. Janis is working on earning her bachelor’s degree and certification in secondary education from University of Missouri at St. Louis.