Herzog Foundation Hosts 2025 Excellence in Christian Education Awards at Museum of the Bible
The Herzog Foundation hosted its fourth annual Excellence in Christian Education Awards on September 27 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. This year, the Foundation recognized 12 Teachers of the Year in addition to three Homeschool Cooperatives of the Year for their exceptional contributions to Christian education.
“It’s an honor to stand among Christian educators who are shaping young lives—and, in doing so, the future of our country,” said spokesman and emcee for the awards ceremony Chris Stigall. “As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the power of Christian education through my daughter’s experience. Her growth in both confidence and faith has been remarkable. Christian teachers are truly changing the world—transforming hearts and minds in ways only possible in a Christ-centered setting.”
2025 Teachers of the Year
Kit Avery (Southwest Christian High School – Chaska, Minnesota)
Dianes Bales (Greenville Classical Academy – Greenville, South Carolina)
Nancy Cook (Rejoice Christian School – Owasso, Oklahoma)
Susan Currier (Cypress Grove Academy – Mobile Alabama)
Nicole Darroch (Ridge Academy – Coraopolis, Pennsylvania)
Emily Harrington (Mount Pisgah Christian School – Johns Creek, Georgia)
Mackenzie Miller (Logos School – Moscow, Idaho)
Blaine Spencer (Second Baptist School – Katy, Texas)
Adam Stevenson (Seattle Classical Christian School – Seattle, Washington)
Jessica Valente (Tabernacle Christian School – Hickory, North Carolina)
Stephany Vesely (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School – Springfield, Missouri)
Emily Zybach (Lincoln Christian School – Tulsa, Oklahoma)
2024 Homeschool Cooperatives of the Year
Kingdom Education for Young Scholars (KEYS) – Chesapeake, Virginia
HEARTS for the Lord Homeschool Academy – Ashburn, Virgina
Christian Homeschool Fellowship of Lake Houston – Humble, Texas
The 15 honorees represent 12 states and a remarkable diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Some have devoted more than two decades to Christian education, while others are emerging leaders at the start of their teaching careers. Each embodies a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and passion that inspires both students and colleagues.
This distinguished group includes innovators who have transformed classrooms through hands-on projects, classical studies, and real-world learning experiences. Many also serve as dedicated parents, mentors, and leaders within their churches and communities. Together, they exemplify The Herzog Way—a standard of excellence shaping the next generation of Christian educators.
“One of our board’s earliest goals was to establish the Herzog Excellence Model — what we now call The Herzog Way. We wanted to highlight schools, teachers, and organizations that exemplify the very best of Christian education,” said Vice-Chairman of the Board John Elliott.
“Looking around this room tonight, I can say with confidence that we have accomplished that goal. Each of the 2025 Christian Teachers and Co-ops of the Year is now part of The Herzog Way. They are raising the bar for Christian education nationwide, and we are deeply grateful for the sacrifices they make and the excellence they bring to their calling.”
To learn more about each of the Foundation’s 2025 Excellence in Christian Education Awards recipients, click here.
About the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation
The Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation is a charitable foundation dedicated to catalyzing and accelerating the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education so that families and culture flourish.
Learn more at HerzogFoundation.com.