Prestigious national award bestowed upon Lincoln Southwest High School teacher

Originally published on: October 9, 2009

Governor Heineman presents Ryan Mahoney the Nebraska 2009 Miliken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

Lincoln Southwest High School (LSW) teacher Ryan Mahoney was told to attend the school’s pep rally on Friday morning so he could introduce a dog that was participating in the event.

That’s not what happened.  Instead, Mahoney got a grand surprise.  He received the prestigious Nebraska 2009 Miliken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

“I wake up every day and like to go to work,” Mahoney told an assembly of LSW students and staff, as well as visiting dignitaries.  “I love my job.  I love my students.  This is just the greatest profession.”

Mahoney teaches social studies and advanced placement psychology at LSW, and is the varsity coach for track and field, and the assistant coach for junior varsity cross country.

Mahoney was specifically recognized as an outstanding teacher who brings a difficult and challenging curriculum to life for his students, and who successfully builds and maintains relationships with his students.

The Miliken award is a national educator honor, (otherwise known as the Academy Award for teachers), that also includes a $25,000 cash prize.  The award was started in 1987 to give public recognition and financial rewards to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and other educational professionals across the country.