East Texas middle school principal earns prestigious award

Nayeli Carrillo
·2 min read
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WINONA, Texas (KETK) – Winona Middle School Principal Dr. Johnny Walker received an exceptional teacher award on Tuesday that came with a $25,000 check.

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Walker joins 75 others in the country to receive the Milken Educator Award.

An assembly was planned to commemorate the school’s growth and achievements as Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath was in attendance, but to also surprise Walker with the award.

“To celebrate an achievement that’s extraordinary that they call it the Oscars of Teaching,” Morath said.

According to a release, Walker is the first Milken Educator Award recipient in Winona ISD and was unaware of his candidacy.

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“I am still shaken up and reeling over this amazing honor, never did I expect this,” Walker said. “But like I’ve said before, to God be the glory, I’m so thankful to the Lord for making this happen.”

Walker said it was a full-circle moment remembering when he first joined the district.

“When I first came to Winona, I had a teacher named Miss Johnson, she told me, ‘Mr. Walker you need to need to be a Milken Educator Award,’ I didn’t even know what that was at that time,” Walker said.

The Milken Family Foundation who chose who to award, is a California-based group that reviews schools from around the country.

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“An educators whose practices lead to results, they have gone from an F to an A on the state rating, we’re looking for educators who are leaders in the profession,” Jane Foley, senior vice president at Milken Family Foundation, said.

On behalf of the state of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott sent a congratulation video.

“We just want to continue the work and I am so humbled by it,” Walker said.

Walker said he is proud of the students and faculty for all the growth they have accomplished together.

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