Excelsior Language Arts Teacher Honored

Janelle Hurkett, a 6th grade Language Arts teacher at Excelsior Middle School, has been selected as a runner-up for the Excellence in Education Award. The program, sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), honors educators who go above and beyond in their everyday activities.

In learning about the award, Mrs. Hurkett said, “It is nice to be recognized for my work. I feel honored to have been nominated for the award. I am fortunate to work with a lot of devoted professionals at Excelsior Middle School. They are not just great teachers but are genuinely good and decent people who are also positively impacting the lives of many young people. I have a lot to be thankful for.”

Excelsior Middle School principal John Christian added, “Mrs. Hurkett is very deserving of this honor. I am very proud of the way she collaborates with her team to put students first.”

Mrs. Hurkett will be honored at the ISEA Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony in late July. She will be transitioning to the district’s new Hazel Point Intermediate School in the fall.