Boone County recognizes teachers, paraeducator, business partner and retiring board and staff members
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Summary
The board celebrated multiple awards and retirements: Jenna Stewart received a Milken Educator Award and $25,000; Vicki Begley and Alexis Taylor were honored, Veronica 'Ronnie' Smith named outstanding paraeducator, ABB Optical recognized, and Dr. Maria Brown and Linda Shield received public thanks for service.
The Boone County Board of Education used the start of its December meeting to showcase awards and staff recognitions across the district.
Superintendent Dr. Housewalt presented a video and honored Vicki Begley, a retired teacher who returned as a substitute at Kelly Elementary and was recognized for sustained service and classroom impact. The board also announced that Jenna Stewart, a fifth‑grade teacher at Long Branch Elementary, received a 2024 Milken Educator Award, including a $25,000 prize; Stewart said the honor was a surprise and thanked family and colleagues.
Other recognitions included Alexis Taylor of Boone County High School as secondary art teacher of the year, Veronica ("Ronnie") Smith of Mann Elementary as Kentucky's 2024 outstanding paraeducator, and ABB Optical receiving the district's Achieving Excellence Together business partnership award. The board presented plaques and arranged photographs for honorees and partners.
Trustees also used the agenda to thank two outgoing public servants: board member Dr. Maria Brown, who was recognized for 11 years of service, and Treasurer Linda Shield, who will retire on December 31 after more than a decade as the district's director of business and treasurer. Multiple trustees praised Brown's institutional knowledge and empathy and Shield's financial stewardship.
The honours highlight district classroom work, partnerships and community engagement. The board asked staff to continue supporting nominations for awards and to document program participation where possible.