Lowes Elementary Teacher Selected as 2017-2018 Challenger Learning Center Outstanding Educator

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PADUCAH, KY (05/17/2018) Mike White, a sixth grade science teacher at Lowes Elementary School in Graves County, was recently named the 2017-2018 Challenger Learning Center at Paducah's Outstanding Educator. White was recognized as the center's 12th outstanding educator in a surprise presentation during a school wide program May 4.

White received a framed certificate and $100 Amazon gift card. In addition, Lowes Elementary School receives one free mission for the 2018-2019 school year to the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah.

"The Challenger Learning Center program is a comprehensive educational experience for students," Duncan said. "We created this annual award to show our appreciation to the educators who help make our program so successful. We are excited to present this award to Mr. White as he has been a strong supporter of our program from day one."

Ryan Marchetti, Lowes Elementary principal, stated "White earns this award because he is an innovative educator that has an excellent rapport with his students. You cannot find a student who didn't love his classroom and admire him as a person. He is a leader among the faculty and always has a positive attitude," he said.

Duncan said typically other nominations are accepted, but when Mr. White announced his retirement, the staff at the center decided he met all the criteria and he was a perfect choice for this year's recipient.

The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah, which opened on August 16, 2002, is one in a network of over 40 centers worldwide. The concept of the Challenger Centers came from the families of the astronauts lost in the Challenger accident. The center in Paducah, located on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, is a result of a partnership between the college and Paducah Junior College, Inc., the foundation of WKCTC.

For more information about the center, visit clcpaducah.org.

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West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) has been recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 10 Community College four times awarded by the Aspen Institute and has twice been named a Finalist with Distinction for providing students with strong job training and continuing higher education opportunity, for achieving high completion and transfer rates, and for providing strong employment results for its graduates.