By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Junction City High School English teacher, Patrick Hancock, made history on Tuesday by becoming the inaugural Kansas State University College of Education Literacy Legacy Award recipient.
On Tuesday, Debbie Mercer, K-State College of Education Dean, and Lotta Larson, K-State professor, surprised Hancock at JCHS by presenting him with a plaque, certificate and books for his classroom.
Hancock, who was recognized for fostering strong relationships with students and creating a classroom environment where literacy is engaging, relevant and empowering, earned a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from K-State.“Patrick was the ideal first recipient of the Literacy Legacy Award for so many reasons,” said Mercer. “He embodies the best traits of an English teacher: fostering a love for reading and writing, connecting with students, and using evidence-based methods to develop language proficiency.”
The Literacy Legacy Award honors exceptional literacy educators who make a meaningful impact on student literacy learning. In its inaugural year, the award also celebrates mentorship, influence and generational impact within the field of education.