PALM LAKES ELEMENTARY TEACHER WINS $25,000 MILKEN NATIONAL EDUCATOR AWARD October 15, 2002 Samuel Pongnon, a fourth-grade teacher at Palm Lakes Elementary School, was awarded a $25,000 Milken National Educator Award at a surprise ceremony held at the school, Oct. 10. Florida Secretary of Education Jim Horne was a special guest at the school, which is located at 7450 West 16th Ave., Hialeah. Pongnon, a National Board Certified teacher, has been an educator with the school district for eight years and has taught at Palm Lakes since 2000. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Florida International University and received an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Miami. "Mr. Pongnon is not only an advocate for children, but also an exemplary advocate and role model for teachers and educators nationwide," said School Principal Alina Q. Iglesias. "His commitment to children is displayed each day as he devotes his energy and time to each of his students." Dubbed the "Oscars of Teaching" by Teacher Magazine, the Milken National Educator Awards were created in 1985 to reward and retain teachers as well as attract the highest caliber professionals to our nation's schools. This year, 100 teachers across America will receive the awards. For more information, visit the Milken Family Foundation's website at www.mff.org. ### MV02/037/JJS Back to News Releases