Credit: Milken Educator Awards
Band director at Maplewood Middle School, was honored with the prestigious Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 cash prize to Kyle Cook during a school assembly, with State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley in attendance. Cook says it was a total surprise.
“The moment I heard my name it was a lot of emotion. Surprise was the biggest one at first. Just very grateful.”
Cook’s impact extends beyond the bandroom, where nearly half the student body participates in band, combining music instruction with core academics like math.
“You learn your rhythms, you learn your fun songs, but to me it creates good humans, it creates good people, good citizens. All these different things I teach them. Hard work, how to be responsible, how to be respectful, how to just be good people of society.”
As Louisiana’s second Milken Award recipient for 2024-25, Cook exemplifies dedication, inspiring students to excel musically and academically while shaping future educators and performers.
“They’re great kids. They work hard. I love my kids, I really do. I love my students and everything they’ve done for me.
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