WESTWEGO, La. — A special assembly at Stella Worley Middle School in Jefferson Parish took an unexpected turn Tuesday when eighth-grade English language arts teacher Sarah Watkins was surprised with a $25,000 .

Watkins joins a national network of more than 3,000 Milken Educators. The awards, described as the “Oscars of Teaching,” select outstanding K-12 educators.

The event, initially organized to celebrate continued academic growth with Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, drew a large audience of students, staff, dignitaries and media. During the program, Dr. Joshua Barnett, CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, representing the Milken Family Foundation, announced Watkins as the award recipient.

“What a gift to have the aptitude—and capacit

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