CAPTION: Dr. Paul Erickson, left, Michael Ellegood, Rylie Sanders and Cindy Couchman. CREDIT SAMANTHA NEILL
USD 313 announced Wednesday Buhler High School Agriculture Education teacher Rylie Sanders was awarded Kansas Horizon Award on Jan. 9.
That’s according to a press release issued by Buhler USD 313 and the Buhler High School Journalism Department.
Sanders received a call from Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, congratulating her on this distinguished award.
Horizon nominees must be in their second year of full-time teaching. Nominees are selected by district and building administration. Only 32 teachers across Kansas who rise above other novice teachers earn this award.
Sanders was working through a lesson with her students when family members, colleagues and district administration members walked into her room. They came together to share the news of her award with her.
“I was joyed and surprised to see my biggest supporters from different areas of life all together – my husband, my parents, my colleagues, and my administrators,” Sanders said.
USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman spoke highly of Sanders and her impact on others.
“We are so blessed to have Mrs. Sanders in our district. She is a phenomenal FFA sponsor and Ag teacher for us at Buhler. It is a testament to the hours and hours she puts into the Ag program and her students. She pours her heart into them,” Couchman said. h
Buhler High School Principal Michael Ellegood echoed Sanders’ impact at BHS.
“Mrs. Sanders is wise beyond her years,” Ellegood said. “She brings expertise. She isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions.”
Sanders will receive her award with the other Horizon educators on February 14, 2025 in Topeka at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network annual conference.
“She is a joy to work with, she’s always got a smile on her face,” Ellegood said.
“I truly believe I chose the best place to start my teaching career. The support and encouragement provided by USD 313 and my colleagues in the Agricultural Education Department have been exceptional,” Sanders said.
