Hollister teacher receives $25,000 Milken Educator Award

HOLLISTER, Mo. — A Hollister Middle School teacher was given the Milken Educator Award along with a $25,000 check.

Social studies teacher Dallas DeWeese was given the award at an assembly in Hollister Middle School. DeWeese is the first-ever recipient from the district and the 55th in Missouri.

“Dallas DeWeese has woven himself into the fabric of this school and community, leaving a permanent impact on the hearts and lives of every student he has had the opportunity to teach, coach or mentor,” said Bishop, a Milken Educator from Virginia in 2001. “His enthusiasm for education and his passion to see his students succeed are evident in everything he does, and I am pleased to present him with the Milken Educator Award today.” 

Along with teaching and mentoring his students, DeWeese helped quadruple enrollment in student council, created the Tiger Coffee Shop, is the leader of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support committee, leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, coaches basketball and softball, and tutors.

According to a press release, the Milken Educators Awards—hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching"—inspires educators, students and entire communities to “Celebrate, Elevate and Activate” the K-12 teaching profession and encourage young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career.