FIVE OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS TO BE HONORED AT INAUGURAL EMPOWERED EVENT FEATURING BESTSELLING AUTHOR DR. JOHN DELONY

Leaders Education Foundation announces award recipients for August 14th Event

Inspiring Students Award: K-12 Support Professional – Caroline Yarbrough

Caroline Yarbrough serves as a school counselor at JCM–Early College High for the Jackson- Madison County School System. During her tenure at ECH, she has helped students achieve a 100% graduation rate, secured over $7 million in scholarships, and earned FAFSA Champion honors twice. She has also helped to establish her school’s Podcast Club. Professionally, she holds an M.S.E. in School Counseling and is currently completing her Education Specialist degree. Outside of school, she enjoys attending concerts and walking her German Shepherd, Llewelyn.  

Inspiring Students Award: K-12 Educator – Meredith Kee

Meredith Kee is a dedicated educator with more than 11 years of teaching experience. She is excited to be stepping into a new role at her alma mater, Jackson Christian School, where she leads the Early Learning Village. She holds a bachelor’s degree in K–8 Education and a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Union University. Meredith is a proud wife of 10 years to Jeff and a loving mother of two, Gordon and Molly. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and is an active member of the Alamo Church of Christ.  

Inspiring Students Award: University Educator – Dr. Georg Pingen

Dr. Georg Pingen serves as Director of the HUB and Professor of Engineering at Union University, where he has taught for over 15 years. He co-directs Union’s Engineering and 3D Printing summer camps, emphasizing experiential learning through industry partnerships and assistive technology projects with West Tennessee Healthcare’s Therapy and Learning Center. He enjoys mentoring and helping students use their God-given talents. Dr. Pingen is a member of Fellowship Bible Church and coaches the Augustine School Composite Mountain Biking Team.  

Impacting Communities Award – Dr. Ken Newman

Dr. Ken Newman serves as Professor of Educational Leadership at Union University, where he has spent the past 25 years preparing future educators. A graduate of Union and the Jackson- Madison County School System, he served Madison County students for 38 years as a teacher, librarian, and instructional supervisor. He played a meaningful role in the desegregation of local schools in the 1960s and remains passionate about developing teachers who are excellence- driven and Christ-centered today. For Dr. Newman, it’s more than a job— “All I ever wanted to do was teach!”  

Empowering Schools Award – Dr. Kristle Hodges Johnson

Dr. Kristle Hodges Johnson serves as the Founding Executive Director of University High School, a dual enrollment lab school at the University of Memphis, where students have access to free college credits. In their third year, the school has earned the highest grades for Tennessee for two consecutive years. Dr. Kristle is dedicated to putting student success at the forefront of her decision-making. At previous schools, her leadership gained national recognition and achieved a 100% college acceptance rate across multiple classes. Dr. Kristle holds an Educational Doctorate from Vanderbilt University. In personal time, she enjoys writing poetry, traveling, and laughing with her husband and two daughters.

"This inaugural EmpowerEd event represents our commitment to not just recognizing excellence, but inspiring it," said Shea Brown, Director of Community Impact for Leaders Education Foundation. "When you combine celebrating these remarkable educators with an evening featuring Dr. John Delony—whose insights on mental health, relationships, and personal growth have impacted millions—you have an event that will leave attendees motivated and equipped to make a difference in their own spheres of influence." Dr. John Delony, host of The Dr. John Delony Show and bestselling author of “Own Your Past, Change Your Future” and “Building a Non-Anxious Life,” brings his expertise in mental health, leadership, and education to this special evening.