Dr. Amber Sergent Named Inaugural Recipient of the Edward F. Prichard, Jr.; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick; Miss Zerelda Noland Outstanding High School Teacher Prize
Aug. 3, 2026
Contact: Lisa McKinney, Communications Director, The Prichard Committee
(cell) 859-475-7202
lisa@prichardcommittee.org
Dr. Amber Sergent Named Inaugural Recipient of the Edward F. Prichard, Jr.; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick; Miss Zerelda Noland Outstanding High School Teacher Prize
Dr. Sergent Received $20,000 Prize at the Annual Meeting of the Prichard Committee
LEXINGTON, Ky–The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is proud to announce Dr. Amber Sergent, a history teacher at Woodford County High School, as the inaugural recipient of the Edward F. Prichard, Jr.; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick; Miss Zerelda Noland Outstanding High School Teacher Prize, a new statewide award recognizing exceptional high school educators whose work transforms the lives of students and strengthens Kentucky’s future.
The prize honors the legacy of Edward F. Prichard, Jr., founding chair of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick, who served as superintendent of Paris Independent Schools from 1918 to 1953; and Miss Zerelda Noland, the beloved Paris High School teacher whom Mr. Prichard and generations of her students regarded as one of the most influential educators in their lives.
Presented by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence on behalf of Mr. Prichard’s sons—Allen Prichard, Nathan Prichard and Louis Prichard—the award includes a $20,000 prize for the recipient and $5,000 for the recipient’s high school to support continued excellence in teaching and learning.
Dr. Sergent received the award during the Prichard Committee’s 2026 Annual Meeting on July 31, 2026.
“Outstanding teachers change the trajectory of students’ lives every day, often without the recognition they deserve,” said Brigitte Blom, President and CEO of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. “This prize shines a spotlight on the extraordinary rigor, innovation and commitment found in Kentucky classrooms. Dr. Amber Sergent exemplifies the very best of the profession by setting high expectations, inspiring curiosity and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Dr. Sergent’s teaching philosophy is grounded in love, authenticity, high expectations and unwavering care for every student. She creates inclusive, collaborative classrooms where diverse perspectives are valued and students are encouraged to think critically, ask meaningful questions and take ownership of their learning.
Her impact extends far beyond the classroom. Dr. Sergent developed an innovative Kentucky History course that culminates in an interactive museum experience created by students in partnership with families, local businesses, community organizations and elected officials. The project strengthens students’ research, leadership and communication skills while helping them develop a deeper appreciation for their communities and Kentucky’s rich history.
Recognizing that student success requires both academic and personal support, Dr. Sergent established an academic advising program for football players focused on improving ACT performance while building leadership and life skills. She also created tutoring and study hall programs that include ACT preparation, goal setting and individualized support.
The Edward F. Prichard, Jr.; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick; Miss Zerelda Noland Outstanding High School Teacher Prize was established to celebrate exceptional educators whose excellence in teaching, leadership and commitment to students reflects the enduring values exemplified by the award’s namesakes. By recognizing outstanding high school teachers and investing in their schools, the prize seeks to elevate the teaching profession and inspire excellence across the Commonwealth.
The Prichard Committee also recognized nine finalists for the Teacher Prize. The 2026 Edward F. Prichard, Jr.; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick; Miss Zerelda Noland Outstanding High School Teacher Prize Outstanding Teacher Prize Finalists are:
- Luke Glaser, Hazard High School
- Denise Henson, Holmes High School
- Susannah Kilbourne, Fern Creek High School
- Christopher Manker, Campbell County High School
- Jourdan Palmeri, Marshall County Technical Center
- Allison Slone, Rowan Academy
- Garris Stroud, Muhlenberg County High School
- Bryan Wilson, Fayette County STEAM Academy
- Chelsie Wolfe, Clay County High School
From left to right: Prichard Committee President/CEO Brigitte Blom; Woodford County High School Teacher Dr. Amber Sergent; Prichard Committee Board Chair Dr. Julia L. Roberts.
About the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence
The Prichard Committee believes in the power and promise of public education –early childhood through college– to ensure Kentuckians’ economic and social well-being. We are a citizen-led, non-partisan, solutions-focused nonprofit, established in 1983 with a singular mission of realizing a path to a larger life for Kentuckians with education at the core.