05/19/15 Samantha Dean
Courtney C. Priest, graduating Topeka senior, received Fort Hays State University's Cecile LaSalle Beougher Potential for Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Education and Technology. Priest was named the recipient of the award at the student teacher meeting on May 8.

The award, first presented in 1994, is named for Cecile Beougher, a teacher with a distinguished career in the Hays school system. Beougher was born and raised in Decatur County, graduated from FHSU, and taught in Monument and Winona before moving to the USD 489 school system in 1971. Beougher taught kindergarten at Washington Elementary for 23 years. In 1990, Beougher received the Presidential Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics.

The $750 award was established to recognize the potential for teaching excellence among elementary education majors. The funds are intended to purchase teaching materials, continued education or professional development, and can be used at the discretion of the recipient.

Priest graduated May 16 with a bachelor's degree in early childhood unified.