INDIANAPOLIS – Hundreds of educators gathered in Indianapolis on Friday, November 21, for the fourth annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala. As part of this black-tie event, nearly $270,000 was awarded to schools and educators across the state in recognition of their work supporting student learning.
“From reading, to math, to maximizing the high school experience and beyond, Indiana educators are leading with bold, innovative strategies that drive student learning forward,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “As a state, our synergy and alignment have never been stronger, and what unites us all is a constant focus on doing what is best for students. Tomorrow, we will get back to work. Still, tonight is our moment to celebrate the movement happening across Indiana and to honor the exceptional educators who have made it all possible.”
The gala, held in Indianapolis, brought together nearly 550 educators and guests from across the state. The event recognized the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Indiana’s 2024 Milken Educator Award recipients, the first-ever Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools, as well as other dedicated educators from across the state.
Awards focused on schools that are excelling in key areas such as literacy (science of reading), STEM, rethinking high school, community collaboration, and educator professional development. Additionally, 13 outstanding educators were awarded $1,500 each for their commitment to professional growth, the use of technology in the classroom, and community partnerships.
2025 Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala school/district awardees include:
Hoosier Educational Excellence Award – $50,000
Perry Central Community School Corporation
This award honors a school or district demonstrating a transformative, student-centered approach to future readiness—grounded in literacy, STEM, and college and career preparation.
Excellence in Data-Driven Support Award – $25,000
Penn High School, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that has made the most progress in improving achievement for all students.
Excellence in Early Literacy Award – $25,000
Levan Scott Academy, Fort Wayne Community Schools
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that has established strategies and partnerships to support all students in mastering foundational reading skills.
Excellence in STEM Award – $25,000
Cold Spring School, Indianapolis Public Schools
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that has expanded access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities for all students.
Excellence in Professional Learning & Leadership Development Award – $25,000
South Central Community School Corporation
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that provides high-quality professional learning support for educators.
Excellence in Family & Community Collaboration Award – $25,000
Bremen High School, Bremen Public Schools
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that is maximizing support for students through strategic collaboration with local and state partners.
Enroll, Employ, Enlist Excellence Award – $25,000 each
Eastern Hancock High School, Eastern Hancock Schools
Signature School
The Portage School of Leaders, Career Academy Network of Public Schools
This award recognizes schools or corporations that exemplify Indiana’s vision for purposeful high school redesign by preparing students to successfully enroll in college, gain meaningful employment, and/or enlist in military service.
2025 Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala individual awardees include:
Promising Educator Excellence Award – $1,500 each
Mariah Tyler, Mississinewa Community Schools
Allie McGinn, Paramount Schools of Excellence
This award recognizes educators with one to five years of experience who proactively engage in professional development and seek out opportunities to learn from other educators.
Dedicated Educator Excellence Award – $1,500 each
Lindsey Hall, Mill Creek Community School Corporation
Michele Brandt, School Town of Munster
This award recognizes educators with six to 15 years of experience who proactively engage in professional development and seek out opportunities to mentor and learn from other educators.
Lifetime Educator Excellence Award – $1,500 each
Sandra Haney, New Palestine Community Schools
Meda Sullivan, Knox Community School Corporation
This award recognizes educators with 16+ years of experience who demonstrate a commitment to their own professional growth, as well as contributing to the professional development of other educators.
Digital Innovator Excellence Award – $1,500
Ashley Anderson, Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation
This award recognizes educators who leverage technology to improve student learning.
Collaborative Educator Excellence Award – $1,500
Jennifer Burnette, Hoosier College and Career Academy
This award recognizes educators with over three years of experience who maximize support for students through strategic collaboration with various partners.
Literacy Excellence Award – $1,500 each
Denise Demeter, Elkhart Community Schools
Whitney Barnes, Southwestern Jefferson County Schools
Julie Rowen, Franklin Community Schools
This award recognizes educators with over three years of experience who use evidence-based instructional practices to increase literacy rates among their students.
STEM Excellence Award – $1,500 each
Jennifer Colen, Madison Consolidated Schools
Joel Eichenauer, Manchester Community Schools
This award recognizes educators with over three years of experience who bring STEM education to life for students.
This event is made possible through contributions from these generous sponsors: the Institute for Quality Education, EdChoice, The Mind Trust, the Indiana Association of School Principals, Ivy Tech Community College, the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, Project Lead The Way, Marian University, Five Star Technology Solutions, Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Indiana Charter Innovation Center, Glick Philanthropies, and the University of Indianapolis.
