West teacher wins national award and $25,000
West Salem High School’s auditorium was packed at a school-wide assembly on Tuesday morning, but most staff and students didn’t know why they were all being called together. Drew Moneke, a social studies teacher at West, was selected for the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award that comes with a $25,000 cash prize.
“I was in complete shock,” said Moneke. “ I had no idea that this was going to happen.”
The assembly started off with former NFL player Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier giving a motivational speech to students. Superintendent Sandy Husk and Oregon State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo listed off pride points for the school and the district. The students were excited and cheerful.
But the crowd went wild when Lowell Milken, Chairman and Co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation, announced Moneke as the recipient of the national award.
“Highly effective educators are the human capital that will equip America’s youth in this increasingly competitive global economy,” said Milken. “By shining a national spotlight on exceptional people like Drew Moneke, the Milken Educator Awards send a powerful message of the critical role that talented teachers play in preparing young people for a bright future.”
Moneke was recognized for creating a dynamic classroom to keep students active, aware, and engaged with all the participatory strategies that he uses.
“Great educators are the lifeblood of our schools – without them the whole system would fail,” said Castillo. “I offer my congratulations to all of those involved in creating this success.”
The event took a while to sink in for Moneke. “I am certainly humbled by the experience,” he said. “I appreciate the wonderful staff at West and the commitment they show to all students. This is an honor that should be shared by all!”
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