At Riverview High School in Sarasota, Florida, math teacher Ashley Hernandez’s students know that she has their back. Every day as they step foot in her classroom, they are met with reminders from a bulletin board bearing motivational sticky notes. “You are enough.” “You’ve got this.” “You are brilliant.” Her positive attitude fosters an environment where students challenge themselves to work hard, driving steadily rising AP Statistics pass rates that have surpassed the state.

Today at a surprise assembly, Hernandez took the spotlight when she was named a national Milken Educator Award recipient in front of appreciative students and colleagues, education officials and media. Florida Senior Chancellor of Education Jacob Oliva joined Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop to present Hernandez with the prestigious honor, which includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. In addition to today’s celebration, Hernandez will join the national Milken Educator Network of more than 2,800 exceptional educators and leaders across the country dedicated to strengthening K-12 education. Hernandez is among more than 60 educators nationwide who will receive the Award during the 2021-22 school year. Hernandez is the first recipient from Sarasota County Schools since 2002. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The Awards are not designated for lifetime achievement. Recipients are heralded while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities inherent in the Award.