12-02-2025
Northeast Nebraska teacher presented with prestigious Milken Educator Award
NELIGH, Neb. (KCAU) — In a surprise assembly Tuesday, a northeast Nebraska teacher was presented with the Milken Educator Award for Nebraska and an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize.
The lucky recipient was Dexter Hanzel, who teaches math and science at Neligh-Oakdale Junior/Senior High School in Neligh, Nebraska. Students and teachers from the entire school were in attendance, as well as Neb. Governor Jim Pillen, State Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher, and Milken Educator Awards Vice President Jennifer Fuller.
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'Today we celebrate Dexter Hanzel for his immense commitment to excellence in education and ability to create powerful, creative learning opportunities for students,' Fuller said. 'Congratulations, Dexter! Your leadership and positive influence are changing the lives of your students, supporting your colleagues, strengthening your community and elevating education in Nebraska.'
Hanzel is the 49th Nebraska honoree in the award's history and the Neligh-Oakdale district's first. He teaches eighth through 12th grade students through hands-on and collaborative methods; acts as a leader at the school level and the district level; and serves the Neligh-Oakdale community, according to a release.
'Dexter's commitment to his school and to his students is evident in all of the extra things he chooses to do above and beyond his normal duties as a teacher,' Maher said in a statement. 'We are thrilled to see him recognized with this award and so happy that his story will be shared as an example of the excellent educators we have in Nebraska.'
The Milken Educator Awards have been given out to educators across the country since 1987, typically to those in their early and middle careers. Since then, over $75 million in individual cash prizes have been handed out.
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Up to 45 professionals will be honored during this year's award season. They will then be invited to attend an all-expenses-paid forum in Los Angeles this April.
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