Stopher Elementary teacher wins ExCEL Award

Melissa George honored during school ceremony

Melissa George, a teacher at Stopher Elementary School, has earned the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher during a ceremony at the school on March 20.

“Her enthusiasm is contagious,” said Penni Flinn, a fellow teacher at Stopher. “It’s hard to match her energy and excitement.  When her sentence starts, ‘I found this awesome…’, you know you’re on an adventure.” 

Headshot of Melissa George

Since 2007, George has taught second graders at Stopher, where she said she strives to create a “respectful environment where all student ideas are valued and students are encouraged to share.”  She’s served as a National Honor Society co-sponsor; cheerleading coach; instructor for numerous after-school and summer programs; and member of the Instructional Leadership Team.

“Mrs. George is an exemplary teacher who leads her students and her team with professionalism, enthusiasm and knowledge,” said Stopher Principal Brigitte Owens.  “She demonstrates a heart for the students and their learning, and is always seeking out professional development to further impact her children and colleagues.”

As part of LG&E and KU’s commitment to supporting education across the communities it serves, George and other ExCEL Award-winning teachers each receive a $1,000 instructional grant from the company.