Neligh teacher surprised with educator award

A teacher in Neligh received the Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 check on Tuesday.

“It’s a great day to be a warrior,” Dexter Hanzel, who teaches math and science at Neligh-Oakdale Junior and Senior High School, said after receiving the award. “I know this is honoring me, but this is truly an award for you guys, my students. This wouldn’t be possible without you guys.”

The Milken Family Foundation honors educators across the country annually, spanning back to 1987. Educators don’t apply for the award, but are chosen through a confidential selection process. The foundation created the award to recognize educators for excellence in teaching.

Hanzel said he learned about being a good teacher from the educators in his life - like his aunts and a football coach. He wants to pass those qualities along to his students.

“I just hope they learn how to be positive people, responsible and respectful," he said. "I just hope they turn out to be good people.”

Neligh is in northeast Nebraska. Hanzel has been a teacher for nine years. He’s the 49th Nebraskan to receive the national award and the first in his school district. Last school year, two Nebraska teachers received the Milken Educator Award. Hanzel is the only Nebraska recipient this school year.