Fourth annual Red Carpet event celebrates Indiana's Top Schools and Educators

Hundreds of educators gathered in Indianapolis on Friday, November 21, for the fourth annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala. As part of this black-tie event, nearly $270,000 was awarded to schools and educators across the state in celebration of their work to support student learning, and Bremen High School was a recipient. 

“From reading, to math, to maximizing the high school experience and beyond, Indiana educators are leading with bold, innovative strategies that drive student learning forward,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “As a state, our synergy and alignment has never been stronger, and what unites us all is a constant focus on doing what is best for students. Tomorrow, we will get back to work, but tonight is our moment to celebrate the movement happening across Indiana and to honor the exceptional educators who have made it all possible.” 

The gala, which was hosted in Indianapolis, brought together nearly 550 educators and guests from across the state. The event recognized the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Indiana’s 2024 Milken Educator Award recipients, the first-ever Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools, as well as other dedicated educators from across the state. 

Awards focused on schools that are excelling in key areas such as literacy (science of reading), STEM, rethinking high school, community collaboration, and educator professional development. Additionally, 13 outstanding educators were awarded with $1,500 each for their commitment to areas such as professional growth, use of technology in the classroom, and cultivating community partnerships.

Bremen High School was awarded the Excellence in Family & Community Collaboration Award.  This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that is maximizing support for students through strategic collaboration with local and state partners.  They received $25,000. 

2025 Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala school/district awardees include:

Hoosier Educational Excellence Award - $50,000
Perry Central Community School Corporation

Excellence in Data-Driven Support Award - $25,000 
Penn High School, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation

Excellence in Early Literacy Award - $25,000
Levan Scott Academy, Fort Wayne Community Schools

Excellence in STEM Award - $25,000 
Cold Spring School, Indianapolis Public Schools

Excellence in Professional Learning & Leadership Development Award - $25,000
South Central Community School Corporation

Enroll, Employ, Enlist Excellence Award - $25,000 each
Eastern Hancock High School, Eastern Hancock Schools
Signature School
The Portage School of Leaders, Career Academy Network of Public Schools

Promising Educator Excellence Award - $1,500 each
Mariah Tyler, Mississinewa Community Schools
Allie McGinn, Paramount Schools of Excellence

Dedicated Educator Excellence Award - $1,500 each
Lindsey Hall, Mill Creek Community School Corporation
Michele Brandt, School Town of Munster

Lifetime Educator Excellence Award - $1,500 each
Sandra Haney, New Palestine Community Schools
Meda Sullivan, Knox Community School Corporation

Digital Innovator Excellence Award - $1,500
Ashley Anderson, Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation

Collaborative Educator Excellence Award - $1,500
Jennifer Burnette, Hoosier College and Career Academy

Literacy Excellence Award - $1,500 each
Denise Demeter, Elkhart Community Schools
Whitney Barnes, Southwestern Jefferson County Schools
Julie Rowen, Franklin Community Schools

STEM Excellence Award - $1,500 each
Jennifer Colen, Madison Consolidated Schools
Joel Eichenauer, Manchester Community Schools