Two area teachers named Valvoline award recepients

By TONY FYFFE
BSN Editor

FRANKFORT — Two educators from the Big Sandy region are in the running for the Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced in the fall. Scott Osborn of Lawrence County High School and Mary Slone of Floyd Central High School will compete for the prize after being selected as recipients of the 2021 Valvoline Teacher Award. A total of 24 teachers across the state were selected for the Valvoline award and will be recognized at a yet-to-be finalized event in October when the Kentucky Elementary, Middle and High School Teachers of the Year will be announced. From that group of three finalists, the Kentucky Teacher of the Year will be named and will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition. Valvoline will provide the 24 recipients with cash awards. In addition, the three Kentucky Teachers of the Year will receive custom-designed glassware commemorating their accomplishments.
This year's program set a record, with more than 2,800 nominations and 208 applications submitted.
Judging was conducted in May by a blue-ribbon panel of veteran educators, many of whom have more than 25 years of teaching experience. Applications included information on the nominees’ teaching philosophies, teaching experiences and involvement in their respective communities, as well as letters of recommendation from peers, students, parents, administrators and others. Valvoline CEO Sam Mitchell said the age of COVID-19 is the perfect time to recognize Kentucky teachers. “Now more than ever before, we are honored to celebrate some of Kentucky’s most outstanding educators,” Mitchell said. “Being a teacher is incredibly challenging during normal times. In today’s anything-but-normal environment, many of us have become all-to-familiar with the incredible role our teachers play. Valvoline is pleased to celebrate educators across the state and to recognize these outstanding award winners.”