Local principal receives Milken Educator Award

“The future belongs to the educated.” That is the motto for the Milken Educator Award. On Friday, this prestigious award was given to a principal who received a surprise of a lifetime.
Students from Pass Christian High School gathered in the gym for what was supposed to be a guest speaker. However, they weren’t the only ones taken by surprise.
It turns out that this event was for Principal Robyn Killebrew. She received the Milken Educator Award, a national award created over thirty years ago to recognize teaching excellence not only to inspire educators, but students and entire communities about the teaching profession. “I’m very overwhelmed and very humbled,” said Killebrew. “I’m so fortunate to be principal of this wonderful, amazing school.”
Under Killebrew, Pass Christian High School has earned an ‘A’ ranking, the highest possible ranking in regard to Mississippi’s accountability system. Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright believes Killebrew was the perfect recipient. “To receive a national award such as this and this kind of national recognition is nothing short of phenomenal and this principal deserves every bit of it.”
Killebrew is the only recipient of the Milken Educator Award in Mississippi and one of 44 honorees for 2017-2018 in the entire country. For her efforts, she received a check for $25,000 to spend on whatever she pleases.
Even with an event and an award solely focused on her, Principal Killebrew kept her focus on her appreciation for her students and her staff. “Our faculty puts in countless hours preparing our students. The students here believe in what we’re trying to do. They believe in our vision. I love them and I thank them so much.”