KH Law opens second annual Educator of the Year Award

By AI, Created 4:35 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – KH Law has relaunched its Educator of the Year Award for teachers in the Mankato and ISD77 area, with nominations open through May 28, 2026. The winner will receive $500, public recognition and a commemorative award.

Why it matters: - The award puts a cash prize and public recognition behind local teaching work that often goes unnoticed. - The program is aimed at educators serving preschool through 12th grade students in the Mankato and ISD77 community. - KH Law says the effort is part of its broader commitment to Southern Minnesota and to the role educators play in shaping future generations.

What happened: - KH Law announced the return of its second annual Educator of the Year Award on May 12, 2026. - The award recognizes exceptional educators across the Mankato area and ISD77 community. - Nominations are open now and will be accepted through May 28, 2026. - KH Law will announce the selected educator shortly after the nomination period closes.

The details: - The award includes a $500 cash prize, public recognition and a commemorative award. - Eligible nominees are educators currently serving public or private preschool through K–12 students in the Mankato and District #77 area. - Students, parents, fellow teachers, administrators and school staff may submit nominations. - KH Law is accepting submissions online through its teacher award page. - Last year’s inaugural winner was Mrs. Jan Willeart of Loyola Catholic Schools. - Jason Kohlmeyer, a partner at Kohlmeyer Hagen Law and former educator, said teachers shape the future and often go unrecognized. - Kohlmeyer said last year’s response showed how many strong educators work in the community.

Between the lines: - The award gives KH Law a visible way to deepen ties with schools, families and community members in its core market. - The nomination structure opens the process to a broad range of voices, which could help surface educators with strong day-to-day community impact rather than only public-profile names.

What’s next: - Community members can continue submitting nominations until May 28, 2026. - KH Law will publicly recognize the winner after the selection is made. - The firm is expected to keep the award as an annual tradition if the program continues to build local engagement.

The bottom line: - KH Law is using its second annual educator award to spotlight teachers in Mankato and ISD77 while giving the community a chance to honor them directly.