PETERSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Petersburg High School was filled with the thundering cheers of students, colleagues, dignitaries and media as they celebrated eighth grade English language arts teacher Ashley Wilkins.
At an all-school assembly, Wilkins was surprised with the prestigious Milken Educator Award, a national honor that is often hailed as the “Oscar of Teaching.”
Jaws dropped when it was revealed that she would also receive an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000 for her remarkable contributions to education both inside and outside of the classroom.
Stephanie Bishop, vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, was joined by State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt to present Wilkins with the Award on her unforgettable day.
“It is abundantly clear that Ashley Wilkins has forged an unbreakable bond with her students, colleagues and community,” said Bishop, who is also a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator.
“She is not only strengthening students’ understanding and appreciation of rich English language arts curriculum, but is also modeling how to take pride and ownership of their education. Congratulations and welcome to the Milken Educator family, Ashley!”
Wilkins is among up to 75 recipients across the country this 2023-24 school year who will be awarded as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s Journey to the 3,000th Milken Educator.
This season will reach $75 million in individual financial prizes spanning the length of the initiative and more than $144 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, empowering recipients to “Celebrate, Elevate, and Activate” the K-12 profession and inspiring young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career.
“Ashley Wilkins is a true ambassador for the teaching profession,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt.
“Her mastery of content and student engagement encourages students to be invested in their learning and explore ways to deepen their English language arts skills and proficiency. She understands the importance of connecting with students and piquing their interests through classroom and instructional strategies. Once this is ignited within the classrooms, students enjoy the challenges you set before them, and they develop higher learning skills. We are fortunate that she is a part of the education community in West Virginia.”
Wilkins was completely unaware of her candidacy. Milken Educator Award recipients are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award.
Wilkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in secondary English education and a minor in Appalachian studies in 2017 from Shepherd University, as well as a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University in 2019.
In 2023, she earned a graduate certificate of completion in English from Grand Canyon University and a graduate certificate in instructional leadership from West Virginia State University.