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Roanoke County Elementary School Teacher Receives One of Education's Highest Honors

Milken Family Foundation

One Virginia teacher got a very special surprise today — a $25,000 teaching award to be used in any way she wants. 

Jane Foley of the Milken Family Foundation was a surprise guest at an assembly at W.E. Cundiff Elementary School Wednesday. 

“So we found an individual to represent the excellence of your school, your Commonwealth and the entire country; do you want to know who it is? The Milken Educator Award goes to Lindsay Murray!”

The $25,000 award was a surprise for Murray, who can use the money any way she wants.

The Milken Family Foundation is a California-based organization that recognizes outstanding educators across the country. 

Murray, who teaches fourth grade and is the only winner from Virginia this year, was picked for her promotion of elementary-level STEM instruction and project-based learning and testing.

“I think that's so important for my students because that's the way of the future. In the 21st Century those are the skills they are going to need to be successful in the community, and in their jobs and in everyday life.”

Murray is the 43rd Virginia educator to receive the award since 1999.

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