Elementary teacher surprised with Milken award, $25K check

A local teacher is now $25,000 richer after a big surprise Friday morning!

Linda Dishman, a fifth-grade teacher at Berryton Elementary School, is among winners of the 2018-19 Milken Educator Award. The award goes to a teacher who is a powerful mentor, a strong leader, and invested in the community.

The Chairman of the Milken Foundation Lowell Milken says today's teachers face challenges, from their own financial sacrifice to the issues some students face outside the classroom, which is why this award is so important.

"(Y)ou really need individuals who have that dedication and commitment and the person we're going to honor today is that individual," Milken explained.

Gov. Jeff Colyer was on hand to help present the award.