USD 464 nominated THS agriculture teacher Kaysi Overdick for the award, which honors outstanding second-year teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and distinguish themselves among their peers. The program is sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Overdick is one of 32 teachers across the state to receive the award this year.

The THS teacher received a surprise classroom phone call from KSDE Commissioner Randy Watson, who congratulated her on being selected as a Kansas Horizon Award winner.

USD 464 Assistant Superintendent Tonya Phillips talked about the award during Monday’s meeting and explained that much of the work of the nomination falls on the nominee in gathering and providing information for the award.

Phillips said that while