Rockcastle County Middle School teacher Mr. Peyton Pugh has been named the 2025 Educator of the Year by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)—a prestigious national honor recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation in conservation education.
Mr. Pugh has dedicated his career to creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to the natural world. His work emphasizes environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation, and outdoor education—helping students understand the importance of preserving Kentucky’s natural resources while developing critical thinking and leadership skills.
In recognition of his efforts, Mr. Pugh will receive a $5,000 award to support continued conservation programming in the classroom. He will also be honored at the NWTF’s 50th Annual Convention, taking place February 12–14, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Rockcastle County Schools and Rockcastle County Middle School proudly congratulate Mr. Pugh on this remarkable achievement and thank him for his continued commitment to inspiring students to learn, lead, and make a difference through conservation education.