De Soto High School English teacher Lisa Pelkey was named a semifinalist for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Award on Sunday, Sept 7.

The nomination was announced at a banquet after Pelkey was previously named the representative for the district.

At DHS, Pelkey teaches Advanced Placement Literature and Composition and senior English. She was honored for doing an exceptional job in these classes.

Pelkey thinks that is a tremendous honor to be named to such a high recognition.

“I think it’s a really great honor to be acknowledged with all the other great teachers that are also semifinalists,” Pelkey said.

Although she did not get named a finalist for the award, it is still an honor to be named a semifinalist. The DHS administration is proud of Pelkey as well.

“Her representing our school for Teacher of the Year is phenomenal. It’s very big for her, but it’s very big for us too. We have the bragging rights to say we have this awesome teacher,” associate principal Kris Meyer said.

Pelkey’s impact on DHS extends past her classroom, as she has had many of her own children attend the school. This includes current-senior Nikki Pelkey.

“I was proud because she worked so hard all these years, and she finally made it to a place where she wants to be,” Nikki said.

Mrs. Pelkey is not the first teacher from De Soto to receive this nomination. She joins a very prestigious group of teachers and is honored to do so.

“We also have Mrs. Rhodes, Mr. Mispagel, Mrs. Perry [and others] so we have several in our building, so I just feel really honored to be included in their group.” Mrs. Pelkey said.

Meyer also believes Pelkey representing this group is well deserved.

“It’s obvious that she’s established a very good rapport with them. When we walk in the room, kids are hands-on learning, and they’re involved. But they’re having fun, and they’re enjoying what they’re being asked to do. You can see it on all of their faces. It’s consistent across the board,” Meyer said.

Mrs. Pelkey has deserved this recognition, and continues to leave an impact on DHS every day.