By Brenna Keller
NKyTribune associate editor
The Rotary Club of Florence gathered Monday to recognize four Teachers of the Year. The annual event recognizes educators from Boone County public and private schools who are dedicated to both engaging their students and serving the community.
The educators were nominated for the award, and supporting letters were written by students, colleagues, and parents. The Teachers of the Year awardees were selected because they exemplified the Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
This year’s Teachers of the Year were Jenny Aylor of Stephens Elementary School, Daniel Barnhill of Boone County High School, Chris Flowers of St. Paul Catholic School, and Krishna Tanner of Goodridge Elementary School.
Jenny Aylor was recognized for her dedication to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for young students. She has spent the 25 years of her teaching career at Stephens Elementary. One of her colleagues wrote that she is a “foundational piece” of what makes Stephens a great school. Principal Eric Blankenship noted in his letter how rare it is to have someone dedicate their whole career to one school. Aylor is dedicated to her students, attending every school event and fostering an environment where students learn perseverance and growth through tackling challenging situations.
Daniel Barnhill was honored for his commitment to student success and his ability to inspire learners through engaging instruction and mentorship. He is the Band Director and Boone County High School, a role that involves directing multiple bands and teaching advanced music classes. His students often share that he is the most important adult in their life. He created Resonate Hope, a suicide awareness event that took place last April in response to a rise in teen suicides and attempts in Boone County. The event included a concert, speakers, resources, and breakout sessions for students and their parents. Letters of support recognizing Barnhill’s impact were sent by school administrators, parents, boosters, and students.
Chris Flowers was recognized for his passion for teaching and his commitment to service. Flowers retired after 20 years as a police officer prior to beginning his teaching career. His letters of support noted that he recognizes that students have academic, social, and emotional needs and he prioritizes those needs. He takes personal interest in every student in the school. As a social studies teacher, he inspires learning by connecting history to current events. One of his former students described him as “one of the greatest teachers I have ever had.” In addition to his classroom work, Flowers coaches the St. Paul School Academic Team and volunteers at the St. Paul Fish Fry, among other community service.
Krishna Tanner is known for her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to helping every child feel supported and valued. She was nominated by Stacie Greenwood, Assistant Principal of Goodridge Elementary School. Tanner has taught at Goodridge for 30 years. She and another teacher created Cardinal Cares Club, where they create care packages with everything a child may need if there is a family emergency.
The prize packages the awardees received included $500 each from Heritage Bank to a nonprofit of their choice. They also received a banner with their photo proclaiming them “Rotary Club of Florence Teacher of the Year 2026.” These banners can be hung in their schools for all students, staff, and visitors to see.
State Senator Steve Rawlings presented the awardees with a proclamation from Frankfort. Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore presented a proclamation from Boone County. Moore requested a Kentucky Colonel Award for each teacher, which he also presented, noting that they were joining an elite group including Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, Winston Churchill, Dolly Parton, Muhammad Ali, and Colonel Sanders.