At LINK nky, we believe that educators – whether they are teachers or principals, tutors or superintendents – are at the heart of our community’s success. The Educator of the Week contest is our way of recognizing and celebrating the incredible educators who go above and beyond for Northern Kentucky students every day.
Each week, we will choose three nominees who have made an impact on their community and who represent a diverse mix of roles, grade levels, subject areas, school types, and geographic locations.
Click here for a full list of official rules and to nominate an educator.
The Educators
Educator: William Young
Role: Teacher at Campbell County Middle School
Nominator: Sydney Young
Why Sydney nominated William:
Mr. Young is the kind of educator every student hopes to have at least once in their life. Inside his classroom, learning isn’t just something students have to do — it’s something they genuinely look forward to. He builds strong, meaningful relationships with his students, taking the time to truly know them, understand them, and encourage them. His energy is contagious, and he has a unique way of making social studies not only engaging but genuinely cool.
His lessons go far beyond textbooks and worksheets. Mr. Young brings learning to life through hands-on projects that keep students involved and excited. From creating and enforcing their own classroom laws, to building sculptures, designing posters, and even making paper — a student favorite — he ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn in a creative and memorable way. He understands that middle schoolers thrive when they are actively engaged, and he meets them right where they are.
What truly sets Mr. Young apart is the consistency of his impact. When the school day ends, his dedication to students doesn’t stop. He steps onto the field and the court as a coach, where he continues shaping young lives. From leading our youth football team to championships, to coaching girls basketball, softball, and baseball, he pours just as much passion into athletics as he does academics. Students don’t just learn skills from him — they learn teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and confidence.
Whether in the classroom or on the field, Mr. Young models leadership, integrity, and commitment. He holds students to high standards while also being one of their biggest supporters. He celebrates their wins, encourages them through challenges, and teaches lessons that go far beyond the curriculum.
Our community is fortunate to have an educator who invests so deeply in its youth. Students look up to Mr. Young not only as a teacher and coach, but as a mentor and role model. He makes a lasting difference in their academic journey and in their personal growth.
Educator: Kristy Ortwein
Role: Third grade teacher at Boone County Schools, Florence Elementary
Nominator: Joey Cucchiara
Why Cucchiara nominated Ortwein:
I would like to nominate Kristy Ortwein, 3rd grade teacher at Florence Elementary, for Link NKY’s Educator of the Week.
Kristy is the kind of educator every child deserves and every school hopes to have. Teaching is not just her profession, it is her calling. She brings energy, structure, compassion, and high expectations into her classroom every single day. Her students know they are loved, but they also know they are capable of more than they think. She has a unique ability to balance accountability with encouragement.
Kristy has a genuine heart for serving children. She understands that 3rd grade is a pivotal year — academically, socially, and emotionally. She pours herself into making sure her students not only master reading and math standards, but also build confidence, character, and resilience. She celebrates their successes, supports them through struggles, and creates a classroom culture where every child feels seen and valued.
Her impact goes far beyond test scores. She is shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and citizens. She models kindness, integrity, and perseverance. She teaches her students to believe in themselves, to treat others with respect, and to work hard even when things are challenging.
Personally, Kristy has helped shape who I am today. I have witnessed firsthand her dedication, work ethic, and servant heart. She has always led by example — demonstrating that investing in people matters. She does not just teach content; she builds foundations for life.
For her commitment to excellence, her unwavering heart for children, and her dedication to the future of our community, Kristy Ortwein is more than deserving of recognition as Educator of the Week.
Educator: Gracey Moon
Role: Teacher at St Joseph School – Cold Spring
Nominator: Gary Smith
Why Smith nominated Moon:
I am proud to nominate Gracey Moon for Educator of the Week. In just two short years as a third-grade teacher at Saint Joseph School in Cold Spring, she has already made a powerful and lasting impact on her students, their families, and the entire school community.
Gracey has dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was a little girl. That dream fueled her determination to pursue an education degree and dedicate her life to shaping young minds. Today, that lifelong passion is clearly visible in everything she does in her classroom. Teaching is not simply a job for Gracey it is a calling.
Every day she walks into her classroom with energy, patience, and a genuine love for her students. She has a unique ability to connect with each child individually and make them feel seen, valued, and capable of success. Her classroom is not just a place for learning academic subjects like reading, writing, and math it is a place where students learn confidence, kindness, and perseverance.
Gracey treats every student as if they were her own child. She celebrates their successes, encourages them through challenges, and never gives up on helping them reach their full potential. Her students know they are supported, respected, and cared for, and that sense of security helps them thrive both academically and personally.
Even though she is early in her teaching career, Gracey has already demonstrated the qualities of an exceptional educator. Her creativity in lesson planning, her patience with struggling learners, and her ability to make learning engaging and fun have made a noticeable difference in her third-grade classroom. Students are excited to come to school because they know they will be welcomed with enthusiasm and positivity.
Beyond academics, Gracey also focuses on building character. She encourages her students to show kindness, respect one another, and always do their best. These lessons extend far beyond the classroom and help shape the kind of people her students will become.
Her colleagues and the school community also recognize the passion and dedication she brings to her work. She approaches each day with a positive attitude and a strong commitment to the mission of Saint Joseph School. Her enthusiasm for teaching inspires those around her and helps create a supportive learning environment for everyone. For her passion for teaching, her love for her students, and the positive difference she is making in the lives of young learners, I strongly and proudly nominate Gracey Moon for Educator of the Week.
Read more of what Smith has to say about Moon
In just two years, Gracey Moon has already proven that she is the kind of teacher who leaves a lasting mark on her students. The care, dedication, and heart she pours into her classroom every day make her truly deserving of recognition.
Now it’s time to vote
Voting opens at 3 p.m. on Mondays and closes at 3 p.m. on the following Monday. Winners will be announced on Tuesday after voting has ended.
Vote as often as you like! There’s no limit to how many times you can show support for your favorite educator during the week.
Share the voting link with friends, family, students, and coworkers—the more people who know about your nominee, the more votes they can earn!
LINK nky encourages friendly competition and community spirit. We want to see entire classrooms, schools and neighborhoods rally behind their favorite educators.