The APEF and Scouting America Chickasaw Council Honor Local Educators at “An Evening of Excellence”

On April 10, 2025, the APEF and Scouting America Chickasaw Council hosted the second Evening of Excellence to formally recognize distinguished educators from the six municipal school districts of Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland, and Millington.

This event not only honored the dedication and achievements of these outstanding teachers but also underscored the collaborative spirit and shared goals within our educational community. Through the presentation of individual stories and accomplishments, the evening reinforced the indispensable role educators play in shaping the next generation.

Honored Educators

We proudly recognize the following teachers for their exceptional dedication and contributions to education:

Arlington Community Schools

• Shelby Piña - Donelson Elementary School

• Sherida Person - Arlington Middle School

• Emily Land - Arlington High School

Bartlett City Schools

• Torie Randall - Altruria Elementary School

• Netasha Nelson - Appling Middle School

• Jessie Steele - Bartlett High School

Collierville Schools

• Julie Meluskey - Bailey Station Elementary School

• Keatha Jones - West Collierville Middle School

• Dr. Brandi De La Cruz - Collierville High School

Germantown Municipal School District

• Julie McMinn - Farmington Elementary School

• Samuel Andereck - Houston Middle School

• Seulah Ku Lee - Houston High School

Lakeland School System

• Kristen Connerley - Lakeland Elementary School

• Heather Rios - Lakeland Preparatory School (5-8)

• Jeff White - Lakeland Preparatory School (9-11)

Millington Municipal Schools

• Denise Brandt - Millington Primary School

• Kristy Stewart - Millington Intermediate School

• Christina Halleron - Millington Central Middle High (7-8)

• Stacy Ross - Millington Central Middle High (9-12)

Each of these educators has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting impact on both their students and their community. Their dedication and accomplishments are powerful reminders of the essential role teachers play in shaping lives. They are true hometown heroes, and this evening served as a well-deserved tribute to their passion and hard work.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Scouts from Scouting America, who opened the evening by leading the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the invocation. Your presence brought a meaningful sense of tradition and unity to the event. A heartfelt thank-you as well to Evie Young from Forest Hill Elementary School, whose beautiful performance of the National Anthem truly set the tone for the celebration. And to our emcee, John Aitken—thank you for guiding the evening with such warmth, professionalism, and enthusiasm.

We would also like to thank our generous sponsors who made this evening possible: Bank of Bartlett, A2H, Pickler Companies, Renaissance Group, 4FDesign, Knowledge Tree, Higginbotham, and Amro Music. Your support underscores the strong community commitment to education and acknowledges the lasting impact of teachers on all of us.