EDWARD F. PRICHARD, JR., DR. LEE KIRKPATRICK, MISS ZERELDA NOLAND OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER AWARD

The prize is named in memory of Edward F. Prichard, Jr., founding chair of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick, who was superintendent of the Paris Independent Schools from 1918-1953, and Miss Zerelda Noland, who was regarded by Mr. Prichard and most of her students as the most influential teacher at Paris High School.

The prize is presented by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence on behalf of Mr. Prichard’s sons, Allen Prichard, Nathan Prichard and Louis Prichard.

The prize includes a cash prize of $20,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for their high school. The prize will be presented at the annual meeting of the Prichard Committee in June of 2026 (date and location to be announced soon).

Teachers may be nominated by current or former students, colleagues, principals, superintendents, school board members, parents, community members or any other individuals who are familiar with their impact on their students and the community. Self-nominations are also accepted.

To be considered for this prize, a teacher must. . .

• be currently employed as a high school (grades 9-12) teacher at a public high school in Kentucky.
• have a minimum of 10 years of teaching experience (prior teaching experience can include time at other districts and at other grade levels).
• be able to demonstrate a positive impact on the academic performance of their students.
• be able to demonstrate a commitment to partnering with families and with the community.

1. Nominations can be made by any individual including the candidate by completing this brief nomination form. Nominations must be completed on or before March 31.
2. Once a nomination is received, the nominee will be contacted and asked to submit an application form. with additional background information, a resume, written answers to five questions (500-word limit to each question), and to secure three letters of recommendation (one from a principal or other supervisor, one from a teaching colleague and one from a current or former student). Completed applications must be received on or before April 30.
3. All completed applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts assembled by the Prichard Committee.
4. The prize recipient will be notified of their selection no later than June 15. Those teachers who completed applications and not selected also will be contacted by June 15.

Contact Shawn Lyons at shawn@prichardcommittee.org or at 859-227-0987 with any questions.