Horizon Honors Elementary School first and second grade teacher Ashley Meyer earned a Milken Educator Award, which includes a $25,000 prize.

Meyer’s leadership both inside and outside of the classroom has caught nationwide attention, sending her home with the first-ever Milken Educator Award in Horizon Honors Schools. Horizon Honors Elementary, a charter school, is located at 16233 S. 48th St., in Phoenix.

“Preparing students early sets them up for success, and Ashley Meyer is making an indelible impact on young lives right here at Horizon Honors Elementary,” National Institute for Excellence in Teaching CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett shared in a news release. “What’s more, Ashley has taken her commitment to new heights as a mentor teacher, advancing excellence across the school while expanding her own skills and those of other educators.”

The award recognizes outstanding K-12 educators for their excellence and leadership in the profession. Meyer is among up to 75 recipients across the country who will be honored as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s nationwide tour reaching the presentation of the 3,000th Milken Educator in 2024.

The honor will reach $75 million in individual financial prizes spanning the length of the initiative and more than $144 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall.