Milbeth Allen Named 2026 Hawkins Educator of the Year

Western & Southern named Milbeth Allen, a teacher at Cincinnati Public Schools’ Bond Hill Academy, as the 2026 Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year.

The award, established by Western & Southern in 2007, is celebrating its 20th year. Each year, it honors one educator in CPS who elevates the educational process in the district to an exceptional level through personal commitment, dedicated focus and outstanding results.

Allen was chosen by Western & Southern and other reviewers from a group of finalists who were nominated by their peers in the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) district. She was recognized today with a plaque at a ceremony held at the Guilford Building downtown and will receive a personal check for $10,000 from Western & Southern.

In addition, at this year’s celebration event, each of the other four finalists also received a personal check for $2,500, recognizing their outstanding contributions. Those finalists were Shana Darden (Rothenberg Preparatory Academy), Ashley Green (North Avondale Montessori School), Tory O’Connell (Bond Hill Academy) and Bill Sedgwick (Walnut Hills High School).

At the ceremony, WLWT-TV Anchor/Reporter Megan Mitchell served as emcee; John F. Barrett, Western & Southern’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, and Shauna Murphy, CPS superintendent, congratulated all the finalists.

“As we mark the 20th year of the Hawkins Educator of the Year Award, we are proud to recognize Milbeth Allen for the passion, commitment and excellence she brings to her students and school community each day,” said Barrett. “For two decades, we have celebrated educators who truly elevate Cincinnati Public Schools through this award, and Mrs. Allen exemplifies the lasting impact dedicated teachers have on shaping brighter futures for students in our region.”

“Educators like Milbeth Allen show us what it truly means to be Here for Kids,” said Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna Murphy. “Through her unwavering commitment to students with autism, she is helping young people build confidence, independence and a love for learning that will stay with them for life. Mrs. Allen sees the potential in every child and works every day to help them reach it academically, socially and emotionally. We are proud to celebrate her as the 2026 Hawkins Educator of the Year and grateful for the lasting difference she is making for our students, families and community.”

Western & Southern established the Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award in 2007 to inspire and reward excellence among CPS educators. The namesake of the award, Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins, was a member of the elite Tuskegee Airmen, a well-respected Cincinnati educator, former executive vice president of administration at the University of Cincinnati and former Western & Southern board member. He passed away in 2009.


About Cincinnati Public Schools
The Cincinnati City School District, also known as Cincinnati Public Schools serves more than 34,000 students in 66 schools spread across southwest Ohio. CPS is Greater Cincinnati's largest, and Ohio's second-largest school district. CPS offers families high-quality educational choices and a variety of academic programs. CPS’ work is outlined in five strategic priorities: Support Our Students, Equip Our Educators, Connect Our Community, Ignite Innovation and Optimize Operations. With a focus on Academics, Behavior and Culture, CPS is committed to developing the whole child, ensuring students thrive and graduate prepared to enroll in college, enlist in the military or become gainfully employed. For more information visit www.cps-k12.org.