MOUNT OLIVET — A Robertson County teacher has been named one of 24 Kentucky teachers who recently received the Valvoline award.
Robertson County High School teacher Cayeann Cowan was named as one of eight high school teachers in the state of Kentucky to receive the award.
The award is given through the Kentucky Department of Education and Valvoline, Inc. to 24 teachers who play a role in preparing students for life after high school, according to Valvoline spokesperson Daryl Love.
“Valvoline is pleased to honor once again and recognize some of Kentucky’s outstanding teachers. These individuals play a critical role in preparing students for life after high school graduation, whether that be in college or the workforce,” Love said.
Out of those who qualify for the Valvoline award, some will be chosen as a semi-finalist for the 2019 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in May.
Cowan, who was also on the list in 2017, said she was excited to receive the award.
“I was very humbled,” she said. “I received this honor in 2017 while I was a middle school teacher and I never would have imagined I would be nominated again, let alone receive it a second time.”
According to Cowan, teachers must be nominated by a colleague.
Cowan said she graduated from Simon Kenton High School in Independence before attending Northern Kentucky University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in middle school education and her master’s degree in teachers as leaders.
“I can teach both middle and high school,” she said.
Cowan said this is her fourth year as a teacher.
“I always knew I wanted to be an educator,” she said. “I played teacher as a kid. The highlight of teaching is that it’s something you can learn and grow in.”
Those who received the Valvoline award will be honored at a dinner in May. The finalists for Kentucky Teacher of the Year will also be announced in May.
