By the Buhler High School Journalism Department
BUHLER, Kan. (Jan. 9, 2025) — Buhler High School Agriculture Education teacher Rylie Sanders learned she was a recipient of the Kansas Horizon Award. She later received a call from Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, congratulating her on this distinguished award.
Horizon nominees must be in their 2nd 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.
As 2nd-year teacher Mrs. Sanders worked through a lesson with her students she was surprised to see her family, colleagues, and administration walk 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,” said Sanders.
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,” said Couchman.
Buhler High School Principal Michael Ellegood echoed Mrs. Sanders’ impact at BHS.
“Mrs. Sanders is wise beyond her years. She brings expertise. She isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions,” said Ellegood.
Buhler USD 313 makes sure to nominate teachers for Kansas Teacher of the Year and the Horizon Award and places great value in these programs.
“It is important to convey the value that we place in teachers. We make an investment when we hire teachers. They make an investment when they choose our school district,” said Dr. Paul Erickson, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment 6-12.
“Elevating them for this type of recognition is symbolic of the value we have of teachers. We place tremendous value in teachers the caliber of Rylie.”
Mrs. 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,” said Ellegood.
“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,” said Sanders.
