The Lake Hamilton School District is proud to announce that Holli Hightower, the district's 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year, has been selected as one of the Top 15 Finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Mrs. Hightower serves as the 4th- and 5th-grade Dyslexia and Reading Interventionist at Lake Hamilton Intermediate School, where she has become known for her unwavering commitment to helping students overcome reading challenges while building confidence that extends far beyond the classroom.
The Arkansas Department of Education announced the Top 15 Finalists today, recognizing educators from across the state who exemplify excellence in teaching and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to student success. The finalists will be honored during a special recognition ceremony at the Governor's Mansion on August 6, where each educator will receive a certificate and a $1,000 cash award provided by the Walton Family Foundation.
Mrs. Hightower was previously surprised on campus when she was named the 2025–2026 Lake Hamilton School District Teacher of the Year. With 16 years of teaching experience, she works daily with fourth- and fifth-grade students, providing explicit, structured literacy instruction that helps students strengthen their reading and spelling skills while developing confidence in their abilities.
Her impact reaches well beyond academics. By building meaningful relationships with students and partnering closely with families, Mrs. Hightower creates an environment where struggling readers begin to believe in themselves. One of the most rewarding moments in her work is hearing students proudly declare, "I am a reader," a reflection of the confidence and perseverance they have developed through her guidance.
Being named one of the Top 15 Finalists places Mrs. Hightower among the state's most outstanding educators and highlights the exceptional work taking place every day in Lake Hamilton classrooms.
"We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Hightower and this well-deserved recognition," said Dr. Tony Thurman, Lake Hamilton Superintendent. "She embodies everything we hope our educators will be: passionate, compassionate, innovative, and relentlessly committed to helping every student succeed. She has changed the lives of countless students and families, and we are thrilled to see her recognized at the state level."
The Lake Hamilton School District congratulates Mrs. Hightower on this incredible achievement and wishes her the very best as she continues through the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year selection process.
Congratulations, Mrs. Hightower, on representing Lake Hamilton and #LHWolfNation with excellence!