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'It's special to me'; LaRue County teacher wins ExCel Award

Students and staff at LaRue County Middle School celebrated Brandi Piper for her accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

HODGENVILLE, Ky. — Each week, the WHAS11 and LG&E and KU ExCel Award recognizes a teacher who goes above and beyond in their classroom. 

Students and staff at LaRue County Middle School celebrated Brandi Piper Tuesday for her accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

When she looks at the smiling faces of her students, Brandi Piper sees young people who will grow up to raise families, run businesses, be nurses and doctors, and provide services in Hodgenville and beyond. 

"I grew up here, born and raised here," Mrs. Piper said.  "I've lived here my whole life. To come home and make sure the kids here have the same experiences I did but know there's more out there and they can always come home, it's special to me."

In her 11 years of teaching, Mrs. Piper has focused on cultivating success in the classroom by demonstrating how people should treat each other. She welcomes, loves, and appreciates all her students, leading by example.

"She goes above and beyond," Jim B. Phelps, curriculum support for the middle and high school, said.  "It's kind of like no student left behind. She tries to catch every student that she comes in contact with. She digs deep to try and find something that they like."

During an ExCel award ceremony at LaRue County Middle School, colleagues, students, and her family celebrated the award. 

As for her plans with the $1,000 check awarded to her by LG&E and KU for use in the classroom, Mrs. Piper doesn't have solid plans, but she's working on them. 

"It's so nice to think about not having to spend my own money!" Mrs. Piper said of the award.  "I can use this money to make my kids have a level playing field. To make sure they have the things in the classroom they need, and make them have the tools they need to grow and thrive."

Congrats to this week's ExCel Award winner, Mrs. Brandi Piper from LaRue County Middle School!

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