***This article was written by William Ly, a participant in The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
Lora Carmichael, an English teacher at Kewanee High School, recently won the “Outstanding Educator Award” from the University of Chicago.
Carmichael received this award through a nomination from Class of 2023 valedictorian Madison Copeland. After accepting the award, Carmichael received the following note from the recent graduate: “You are an outstanding teacher who will continue inspiring many others. I will forever be grateful for the perspective you gave me with all you taught me.”
Carmichael believes that the award is significant not only because of its prestige but because she cherishes her rapport with Copeland. Despite the honor, Carmichael maintains that she simply did the job she loves the most in helping students to find their passion.
Carmichael has spent most of her education career at Kewanee High School. Teaching freshman and senior English in Kewanee for the past 19 years has convinced Carmichael that KHS’s students and staff are special, and she wants all students to chase their dreams.
“There is so much potential in these walls,” Carmichael said.
Carmichael admits that her description doesn’t match the classic image of teenagers, who she believes gets a bad rap from adults.
“I would not want to do anything else besides teaching literature to kids who are fun to be around,” said Carmichael.
