x
Breaking News
More () »

Central High School teacher wins ExCel Award

Ms. Jackie Nelson's Social Justice and Art program allows students to express themselves in an open and honest medium

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In her 18 years of teaching, Ms. Jackie Nelson has worked at several schools.  Her impact during her time at Central High School is immediately measurable. 

"One of the things that is so important to me, especially in this process, is to let students know, they have a voice and their voice is important," Ms. Nelson said via Zoom after accepting an ExCel Award. 

She's been a teacher at Central for four years. She started a social justice and art initiative where students are able to express themselves and tough situations they've been in through art work. 

"They're able to take that experience and draw to create," Ms. Nelson said.  "It's some amazing artwork that comes out of that. I've been so pleased with what's come out of that. Central was first, and I worked with teachers from Shawnee they were second, and Iroquois, they're actually having their exhibition this week!"

Ms. Nelson's dedication to her students wellbeing and going above and beyond to form personal relationships earned her an ExCel Award. 

"I never ever dreamed I would be in this position," she said of winning the award. "I never started teaching for any kind of award. I just wanted to be a good teacher. So, to see where it has come from, it's such a joy."

On behalf of LG&E and KU and WHAS11, congratulations to Ms. Nelson!

►Contact reporter Hayley Minogue at hminogue@whas11.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users. 

Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed

Before You Leave, Check This Out