The Kansas Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, identifies, recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. 

2023-24 Nominees
• Kelsey Mann, Spring Valley Elementary Early Childhood
• Sara Elliott, Fort Riley Middle School Math Teacher

Emporia State University established the Kansas Master Teacher awards in 1954. The awards are presented annually to teachers who have served the profession long and well and who also typify the good qualities of earnest and conscientious teachers. 

2023-24 Nominees
• Jennifer Fallin, Washington Elementary Instructional Coach  
• Samantha Garner, Fort Riley Middle School Sixth Grade Math Teacher

Previous USD 475 Master Teacher Honorees 
1961 - Jane E. Roether (Junction City)
1988 - Bonnie Weingart (Fort Riley)
1989 - Ada Ligia R. Paquette (Junction City)
1992 - Beth Bergsten (Junction City)
2007 - Angela Miller (Junction City)
2012 - Jodi Testa (Junction City)
2017 - Joan Hayden (Geary County)
2022 - Bryan Scruggs (Geary County)
2023 - Melissa Hall (Geary County)
2024 - Jennifer Fallin (Geary County)

The Kansas Horizon Award program identifies and recognizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. The mission of the program is to recognize exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.

USD 475 has received five Horizon Awards since 2010.

2023-24 Nominee
• Mckenzie French, Eisenhower Elementary 

Abigail Buser
Abigail Buser, Westwood Elementary School, was a 2019 winner of the Horizon Award for distinguished educators who have completed their first year of teaching.

Allie Ronnebaum
Allie Ronnebaum, 6th grade Social Studies teacher at Fort Riley Middle School, and Chelsea Willems, kindergarten teacher at Ware Elementary, were winners of the 2016 Horizon Award for distinguished educators who have completed their first year of teaching.

Geary County Schools USD 475 is proud to announce that Lincoln Elementary was named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

“Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor. This recognition stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families. It highlights our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and to creating an environment where every student can thrive,” said Daniel Dinkel, Lincoln Elementary principal. 

Lincoln is one of only 356 schools nation-wide to receive this prestigious honor in 2024. The Lions are also one of only four elementary schools in the entire state of Kansas, joining the likes of Garfield Elementary in Augusta, Herington Elementary in Herington and Sunflower Elementary in Paola, to earn National Blue Ribbon School honors. This recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

With Lincoln Elementary being honored, Geary County Schools has now received a total of 12 National Blue Ribbon School accolades in its history.

National Blue Ribbon Schools All-Time in USD 475
2024: Lincoln Elementary
2022: Morris Hill Elementary
2017: Eisenhower Elementary and Sheridan Elementary
2010: Franklin Elementary
2007: Eisenhower Elementary and Morris Hill Elementary
2005: Ware Elementary
2004: Sheridan Elementary and Jefferson Elementary
2003: Custer Hill Elementary
2002: Custer Hill Elementary