TAHLEQUAH, Okla. —The Cherokee Nation honored 13 exceptional educators recently during the annual Teacher of the Year awards banquet held at the Chota Conference Center in Tahlequah.
The honorees were recognized for exemplifying traditional Cherokee attributes and values integral to leadership and achieving shared goals.
“Our educators are nation-builders, shaping the minds of Cherokee youth while instilling the cultural values that have sustained our people for centuries,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner. “We are proud to celebrate these role models who blend academic excellence with the wisdom and resilience of our Cherokee identity.”
The 2024 Teacher of the Year is April Bardell of Tahlequah. Other honorees recognized for embodying Cherokee attributes included Cody Vann of Tahlequah (Leader), Emma Dorman of Salina (Respectful), Kristi Collington of Grove (Strong), Sylvia Soap of Pryor (Humble), Theresa Smith of Tahlequah-Sequoyah (Integrity), Laura Keeton of Webbers Falls (Determined), Jennifer Meyers of Glenpool (Patient), Ladney Keener of Locust Grove (Teach), Rita Gibson of Marble City (Self-confident), Marissa Morris of Moseley (Communicate), Lezle Treadwell of Verdigris (Responsibility), and Jena Fox of Osage Hills (Cooperative).
The traditional Cherokee attributes displayed by the honored teachers reflect the Cherokee understanding of effective leadership to realize a designed purpose.
Education Services Executive Director Mark Vance praised the award recipients.
“Through these exceptional teachers, we ensure our Cherokee students not only gain knowledge but also develop the core Cherokee values and attributes that will allow them to thrive as leaders for generations to come,” Vance said.
Nominations highlighted how the honored teachers exemplify the Cherokee attributes in their classroom, such as holding students sacred, persevering through challenges, upholding consistent standards, modeling admirable behavior, engaging in open communication, instilling self-assurance balanced with humility, collaborating to lift up the community, dedicating themselves fully to the role of educator, generously sharing knowledge, approaching their work with patience and humility, and demonstrating resolve rooted in cultural identity.
“Being named Teacher of the Year by the Cherokee Nation is an incredible honor that goes beyond recognition. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of education on our community’s future,” Bardell said. “It signifies a commitment not just to teaching, but to nurturing cultural heritage and empowering the next generation to thrive in today’s world. To represent Tahlequah Public Schools is also an honor and I’m thankful for their continued support. Every day, teaching middle school is a day filled with challenges. And at Tahlequah Middle School, we continue to make the middle count.”
Honorees were nominated by their respective superintendents before selection by a panel of Cherokee Nation education leaders.
Each awardee received a commemorative items, a cash prize, and a $200 gift card for classroom supplies.