Patrick Wins Milken Award

NDEA third-grade teacher Lynnette Patrick of Jamestown received a national award, and the $25,000 prize that goes along with it.

Patrick was presented the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award in November during a surprise ceremony at Louis L’Amour Elementary School.

“I thought we were going to see a program on school safety,” Patrick said of the surprise.

She said she takes a big-picture approach to teaching.

“It’s not just teaching them to get to the next grade.  It’s about helping them prepare for life,” she said.

Each year the Milken Family Foundation honors up to 100 teachers in the country.  Patrick was the only North Dakota educator to receive the award this year.

The Milken awards have no formal nomination or application process.  Educators are recommended by a state-appointed panel.