BRATTLEBORO — Longtime Brattleboro Union High School mathematics teacher Kevan O'Donnell has been recognized by Yale University for his outstanding work as an educator.
The university issued the following statement: “The Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions has the distinct pleasure of recognizing the following educators as recipients of the 2017 Yale Educator Award. The Yale Educator Recognition Program recognizes outstanding educators from around the world who have supported and inspired their students to achieve at high levels.
“Matriculating students are invited to nominate high school educators, and a committee composed of Yale admissions officers reviews the nominations individually and designates recipients.
“Of this year's 411 nominees, who represent 42 states and 24 countries, 58 teachers and 30 counselors were selected to receive the award. In September, the winners were sent engraved desk sets and congratulatory letters, and administrators of the high schools were notified of their achievement.”
Ryan Taggard, a former BUHS student and teacher's assistant for O'Donnell who is now attending Yale, nominated O'Donnell for the award.
“Some teachers have a gift for conveying knowledge. Others inspire students to master new subject matter. Still others are exemplary role models, giving their students an ideal to strive towards. Brattleboro Union High School has been blessed with Kevan O'Donnell, a man who succeeds in filling all these roles and provides a truly singular experience for those fortunate enough to study mathematics with him,” Taggard wrote.
“Though I'm going off to college and Mr. O'Donnell retired at the end of the school year, I look forward to staying in contact for years to come. Mr. O'Donnell is an unparalleled teacher, mentor, and friend. There is no one more deserving of the Yale Educator Award,” Taggard added.