Thanks to a generous gift, the Prichard Committee is pleased to announce the establishment of a prize to recognize an outstanding Kentucky high school teacher. The award is named in memory of Edward F. Prichard Jr., founding chair of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence; Lee Kirkpatrick, who was superintendent of Paris Independent from 1918-1953; and Zerelda Noland, who was regarded by Prichard and most of her students as the most influential teacher at Paris High School.

The award is presented by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence on behalf of Prichard’s sons, Allen Prichard, Nathan Prichard and Louis Prichard. 

The award includes a cash prize of $20,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for their high school. The award will be presented at the annual meeting of the Prichard Committee in June 2026.

Any individual may make a nomination and self-nominations are also accepted. Once a nomination has been made, the teacher will be invited to submit an application. All materials must be completed and received no later than March 31.

For more information, visit the Prichard Committee’s Outstanding High School Teacher Award website.