Gov. Perry Presents Milken Educator Award to Alvin Teacher

Gov. Rick Perry joined Dr. Jane Foley, of the Milken Family Foundation, and Commissioner of Education Michael Williams to present a $25,000 Milken Educator Award to Kristi Plummer. The award was a surprise presentation made at a Passmore Elementary School assembly, where Ms. Plummer is a math interventionist who works with students in the 2nd through 5th grades.

"None of our state's academic successes would be possible without the teachers of Texas, who inspire our students as much as they educate them," Gov. Perry said. "We owe you an enormous debt of gratitude for the work you do, both in the classroom and beyond."

"Kristi Plummer is making a difference in the lives of Alvin children every day. She does everything from helping them with math to sponsoring the student council to even inviting a family new to the district to join her for Thanksgiving dinner one year," Commissioner Williams said. "Kristi is an example of the dedicated, caring people we have working in schools all over this state."

The Milken Educator Award was created by Milken Family Foundation Chairman Lowell Milken to honor teachers, principals and specialists who display exceptional educational talent. Since 1985, over $63 million has been awarded to more than 2,500 public education professionals across the country. Each award carries with it an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000.

For more information, please visit: www.mff.org/mea/.