Outstanding Educator Award Recipients

Mrs. Gore is an alumna of Calloway County High School and she holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from Murray State University.

With 24 years of teaching experience at Calloway County Preschool/Head Start, she consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence in early childhood education. In recognition of her dedication, she received the Classroom of Excellence award in 2012 and has is also a National Board Certified Teacher.

Outside of her professional endeavors, she is happily married to her husband, Shawn, for 21 years. Together, they are proud parents of two sons, Lee and Travis. Lee is currently pursuing his undergraduate studies at Murray State University, while Travis is a junior at Calloway County High School.

Mrs. Hannah Stark graduated from Murray State University in 2001 with a degree in Elementary Education, later earning graduate certificates in Reading and Writing Instruction, Gifted and Talented, and Library/Media Technology. Mrs. Stark was blessed to become a Murray Tiger in 2002 when she was hired to teach first grade at Murray Elementary School. 

In the 22 years since, Mrs. Stark has also taught Kindergarten, second grade, and reading intervention. Currently, Mrs. Stark is in her second year of teaching fourth grade at Murray Middle School. Mrs. Stark’s husband, Jay Stark, is also a teacher in the Murray Independent School District. Their three children, Eve (12th), Leah (8th), and Jude (5th), are Murray Tigers as well. Jay and Hannah’s eldest, Eve, will graduate from Murray High School in May, 2024, and will become a Racer in August, bringing their MSU experience full circle. 

Mrs. Stark has wanted to be a teacher since she was a young child. It’s the relationships with her own teachers and her personal calling that have spurred her to work hard each year to build personal connections with students, set high academic expectations, and, above all, make her classroom a safe, joyful place where students become family.

After earning her bachelor's degree in middle school education from Murray State University in 2010, she embarked on her teaching journey in Marshall County, where she remains dedicated to teaching today. Currently, she educates students in 7th grade science and 8th grade social studies at South Marshall Middle School. Her family consists of her husband of 21 years and their three amazing children, one of whom she is in the process of adopting.

Education has always played a significant role in her life, inspiring her to pursue further learning. Alongside her bachelor's degree, she has attained two master's degrees in Reading and Writing, as well as Education Administration. Additionally, she holds certificates in Environmental Science, Instructional Leadership Supervisor of Instruction, and Director of Pupil Personnel, all earned from Murray State University.

Her passion lies in being a positive influence in the lives of students who may need it the most. While she sets high expectations for her students, they understand that her love for them is unwavering, and she continues to advocate for them even after they move on to high school. She takes pride in mentoring her former students, many of whom are now in college and beginning their own families. Through the ups and downs (and all of the inbetweens) over the past 14 years in this incredible field of education, she still finds herself yearning to teach, learn, and grow. She loves her job and is honored by this award.

Dr. Jacob Falwell graduated from Murray State University in December 2001 with a degree in Agriculture Science. He student taught in both History and Agriculture Education in the Spring of 2002, earning dual certification. Dr. Falwell earned his master's degree in agriculture science in 2003, and his Master of Arts in Education Administration from Murray State in 2007. Most recently, he earned his Doctorate in Education from Murray State University.

For 22 years, Dr. Falwell has taught agriculture education and been an FFA advisor at his alma mater, Calloway County High School. His students have won 75 state championships in FFA, applying their classroom knowledge to real-world experiences. These experiences have prepared students for careers in the field of agriculture and beyond. His wife, Laken is also a teacher in the Calloway County School District. Their three children, Mason (7th), Molly (5th), and Mack (1st) are Lakers as well.

Raised on a family row-crop and tobacco farm in Calloway County, he understands agriculture in this area, and his involvement in farming continues even today by including the next generation. While Dr. Falwell continues to teach students daily, the graduates are reaping the benefits of the education offered to them in the Agriculture Department and throughout the Career and Technical Education Programs at Calloway County High School. His high expectations for students inside and outside of the classroom prepare students for careers and develop leaders in our community.