Emporia Educators Honored for Excellence

USD 253 Board of Education recognizes five teachers for state and regional awards

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The USD 253 Board of Education in Emporia, Kansas took time during a recent meeting to spotlight five exemplary educators who have been nominated or chosen as recipients of various state and regional recognitions. The honored teachers include Alyssa McCue, Meredith Knapp, Sarah Bays, Alex Vahsholtz, and Kathleen Gilliland, who were recognized for their outstanding work in the classroom.

Why it matters

Recognizing exceptional teachers is important for celebrating excellence in education, boosting morale, and inspiring others to strive for similar levels of achievement. These awards highlight the dedication and impact of educators in the Emporia community.

The details

The five teachers were honored at the USD 253 Board of Education meeting. Alyssa McCue, a first-year 4th grade teacher at Walnut Elementary, received the Horizon Award which recognizes outstanding new educators. Meredith Knapp, the music teacher at Walnut Elementary, was named the North Central Kansas Music Educators Association District Outstanding Music Teacher. Sarah Bays, the choral director at Emporia High School, and Alex Vahsholtz, a 5th grade teacher at Village Elementary, were selected as the district's 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees for secondary and elementary education, respectively. Kathleen Gilliland, a math teacher at Emporia High School, was chosen as the district's Kansas Master Teacher Nominee.

  • The USD 253 Board of Education meeting took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Meredith Knapp received the North Central Kansas Music Educators Association District Outstanding Music Teacher award this past Saturday.

The players

Alyssa McCue

A 4th grade teacher at Walnut Elementary School who received the Horizon Award, which recognizes outstanding first-year educators.

Meredith Knapp

The music teacher at Walnut Elementary School who was named the North Central Kansas Music Educators Association District Outstanding Music Teacher.

Sarah Bays

The choral director at Emporia High School who was selected as the district's 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominee for secondary education.

Alex Vahsholtz

A 5th grade teacher at Village Elementary School who was selected as the district's 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominee for elementary education.

Kathleen Gilliland

A math teacher at Emporia High School who was chosen as the district's Kansas Master Teacher Nominee.

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What they’re saying

“Education is 'a reflection of anybody who has hope we can create a better future,' and she is proud to be considered among some of the very best in the profession.”

— Sarah Bays, Choral Director, Emporia High School (KVOE News)

“This is an honor that belongs to her entire family, who helped shape the educator she is today.”

— Alex Vahsholtz, 5th Grade Teacher, Village Elementary School (KVOE News)

“The most exciting part of the honor is the connections that will come with it.”

— Kathleen Gilliland, Math Teacher, Emporia High School (KVOE News)

“Music education combined two of her greatest passions throughout her life.”

— Meredith Knapp, Music Teacher, Walnut Elementary School (KVOE News)

What’s next

Bays and Vahsholtz are currently awaiting word on whether they will be named among the regional finalists for Kansas Teacher of the Year, an announcement coming in April. Knapp is also awaiting word on whether she will be selected as the Music Teacher of the Year at the state level.

The takeaway

The recognition of these exceptional educators in Emporia highlights the dedication and impact of teachers in the community. These awards celebrate excellence in the classroom and inspire others to strive for similar levels of achievement, ultimately benefiting students and the broader education system.