Dean Morgan Junior High School Principal Walt Wilcox thought Tuesday's assembly was to recognize improved student scores on state assessments. Or maybe a teacher had won an award he'd nominated her for.

Wilcox never imagined that he was the reason for the assembly, until he was awarded a Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation, complete with a $25,000 unrestricted gift.

"I had no idea," Wilcox said. "It's unbelievable."

The award recognizes outstanding elementary and secondary educators for their dedication to teaching, professional leadership and engagement with families and the community.

Recipients are given a check for $25,000 and are honored at the foundation's national education conference, which will be held in Los Angeles next spring.

By the end of the 2007-2008 school year, more than 2,300 educators will have received the award. Wilcox is Wyoming's only recipient this year.

According to the Milken Foundation, there is no formal application process for the award and teachers are recommended, the foundation states, "by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's department of education."

State Superintendent of Instruction Jim McBride spoke to the school, and recognized the students and staff for their progress on state assessments.

But the hard work of one person in particular needed to be recognized, McBride said, and Wilcox has been a role model for his students and staff.

"His leadership is what has consistently made a difference," McBride said.

A letter from Gov. Dave Freudenthal commended Wilcox for his work at Dean Morgan.

Wilcox's wife, Chris, said she was disappointed when her husband told her about an assembly on Tuesday, because it meant he would miss their daughter Abbie's preschool Halloween party.

But when Chris arrived for work at Verda James Elementary School, she was hurried out the door to the very assembly that conflicted with the party.

"As soon as I heard 'Milken,' " she said, she knew her husband had won the award.

Dean Morgan Assistant Principal Larry Meeboer said Wilcox has made the school a better place for its students.

"He really, truly, has put his heart and soul into the school," Meeboer said.

Wilcox has served as Dean Morgan's principal for the last seven years. He served as an assistant principal for the school prior to becoming its principal.

The Milken Family Foundation has provided more than $1 million in awards to teachers in Wyoming.

Reach Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@casperstartribune.net.