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Westwood Elementary School English Language Learner (ELL) teacher Holly Logan was awarded $25,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. as part of a prestigious Milken Education Award during a surprise assembly of students, district and city leaders and the state Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds. 

“I know that there are so many people that are deserving of that award, so I was shocked that I was chosen,” Logan said. “I am so passionate about what I do, honored and proud to be the recipient.”

During the assembly, its purpose a surprise even school and district administrators, the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett – representing the Milken Family Foundation said “the support Holly Logan provides for English language learners at Westwood and beyond is invaluable. These students know that Holly is on their side—whether she is building confidence, teaching leadership skills, or ensuring families are included and uplifted. The Milken Educator Network will provide a powerful platform for Holly to elevate the great work being done in Manchester City Schools and broaden her impact on K-12 education.”

Logan is Tennessee’s 75th recipient since the Volunteer State joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1992. She is the sole Milken Educator Award recipient in Tennessee this 2025-26 school year and the first-ever recipient in Manchester City Schools.

“Congratulations to Holly Logan on receiving the Milken Educator Award and representing the state of Tennessee on a national level,” said Commissioner Reynolds. “This prestigious award is a testament to the impactful service and leadership she demonstrates to her students, community, and the educator profession.”

Logan, who was born in Tullahoma, earned a Bachelor of Arts in foreign languages with a concentration in Spanish from Tennessee Tech University in 2013 and a Master of Education in curriculum, instruction and educational leadership with a concentration in ESL from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018.

The $25,000 cash Award is unrestricted. She said she intends to use the money to help fund her pursuit of a doctorate degree.

The honorees will attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum June 12-14 in Washington, D.C., where they will network with their new colleagues, as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders, about how to further develop their voice into roles that lead to real change.

Visit MilkenEducatorAwards.org or call the Milken Family Foundation at (310) 570-4772 for more information.