SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 10, 2026--

Horace Mann Educators Corporation congratulates the educators named West Virginia's 2027 state honorees at the Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8 in Charleston. Founded by Educators for Educators®, Horace Mann believes recognizing exceptional educators is one way to support the people who invest in their students, schools and communities. Through its sponsorship, Horace Mann provided awards totaling $9,500 to the four honorees.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260910713259/en/

2027 Champions of Learning (L to R): Lisa Cook, Miriam Mason, Alicia Riggleman and Laura Presley. Source: West Virginia Department of Education.

Horace Mann presented the following awards in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Chamber Foundation:

• Teacher of the Year: Laura Presley, English teacher, Princeton Senior High School, Mercer County - $5,000
• School Service Personnel of the Year: Lisa Cook, bus driver, Boone County Schools - $2,500
• School Principal of the Year: Alicia Riggleman, Musselman High School, Berkeley County - $1,000
• School Counselor of the Year: Miriam Mason, Mylan Park Elementary School, Monongalia County - $1,000

"These honorees represent the best of public education in West Virginia - in the classroom, in the office, on the bus, in the cafeteria and in the counselor's office," said Ethan A. Poole of Affordable Insurance Solutions in Saint Albans. "Horace Mann is proud to invest in the people who invest in our students."

This year's gala expanded statewide recognition by adding Principal of the Year and Counselor of the Year. The broader program reflects the many professionals who contribute to student success. Twenty finalists from across West Virginia were honored at the event.

West Virginia Horace Mann agents Mark Travelstead, David Brenneman, Jeanette Jordan, and Ethan and Denise Poole attended the gala and have a long history of supporting educators in their communities. For more information, contact your local agent.

About Horace Mann

Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest multiline financial services company focused on helping America's educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in

Local contact: Ethan A. Poole, Affordable Insurance Solutions, 1000 6th Avenue, Saint Albans, West Virginia 25177 | 304-727-0969 | ethan.poole@horacemann.com

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260910713259/en/

CONTACT: Susie Stone

VP, Enterprise Communications

Susie.Stone@horacemann.com

KEYWORD: WEST VIRGINIA ILLINOIS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: UNIVERSITY PRIMARY/SECONDARY EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TRAINING PRESCHOOL OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INSURANCE OTHER EDUCATION FINANCE CONTINUING

SOURCE: Horace Mann Educators Corporation

Copyright Business Wire 2026.

PUB: 09/10/2026 07:00 AM/DISC: 09/10/2026 07:00 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260910713259/en