Crittenden County's Perez named Kentucky Teacher of the Year

A 6th grade English and language arts instructor at Crittenden County Middle School is the Kentucky Teacher of the Year.  

Mandy Perez received the honor during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort on Tuesday.  

There were 1,987 nominations of teachers statewide.
 
Perez says teaching is "tough"....but "what we do matters."  

On her return to Marion, Perez was escorted by local police and fire vehicles, and greeted downtown by well wishers with signs congratulating her on the honor.

You can see the award ceremony on the Governor's YouTube page.
 
Kelly Gates of Pride Elementary School in Hopkins County was named Elementary Teacher of the Year.  
 
Perez was named Middle School Teacher of the Year.  
 
Amber Sergent of Woodford County High School was named High School Teacher of the Year.  




(Photo courtesy of Governor Andy Beshear's Flickr page)