LCHS teacher awarded Golden Owl Award
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
A Lawrence County school teacher was recognized and even brought to tears by her students, family, community and school when she received the Golden Owl Award.
LCHS Agriculture teacher Melissa Blackburn was recognized on Wednesday, Feb. 25, as the Big Sandy River Region Nominee for the Golden Owl Award! The Golden Owl Award is awarded to the state’s top agriculture teachers, with nominations collected from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members. Blackburn was presented with a personalized plaque and received a $500 check from Ms. Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the KY FFA Foundation.
“Mrs. Blackburn is a role model who encouraged and motivated me to step up in situations where I was nervous.,” said LCHS FFA President Mikka Horn. “This helped me to grow and develop confidence. She has shown me how much teachers care about their students!”
“This is a dream award because it comes from my students! It isn’t determined by measurable means,” said a tearful and emotional Blackburn. “My students recognized this in me, and that is why it means so much. Thank you to my family for the time they allow me to spend doing my job and all the volunteering they get placed upon them. This isn’t something you do alone! I love my job because the work I get to do and the students I get to work with!!! THANK YOU!!!! Most of all thank the Lord I’m truly blessed”
Rick Blackburn, husband of the award-winning teacher stated his feelings about his wife by saying, “Super Proud of my amazing wife she’s always doing all she can to help the youth of Lawrence County and others!!! Truly blessed!!!!
LCHS FFA student Emily Holbrook who spends much of her time volunteering and taking part in all FFA events told The Big Sandy News that Blackburn has been a true role model in her life.
“I have truly learned what it means to be a leader not just by taking charge, but by serving others with a genuine heart and giving back to my community without expecting anything in return. Through these experiences, I’ve grown stronger and more confident in who I am, said Holbrook, “I’ve pushed myself to pursue the things I love, even when they felt challenging or intimidating, and I’ve learned to step outside of my comfort zone when I doubted my own abilities. She has always believed in me, even in moments when I struggled to believe in myself. Her constant support, encouragement, and faith in my potential have helped shape me into the person I am today, reminding me that I am capable of more than I ever imagined.”