Honor Is Never the Goal. Service Is.
- K.A. Simpson
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
There are moments in life that stop you in your tracks...not because you were expecting them, but because you never imagined they would happen in the first place.
Recently, I learned that I had been nominated for School Board Member of the Year by the National School Board Partners organization.
To say I was surprised would be an understatement.
Like most people who choose to serve on a local school board, I didn't step into this role seeking awards or recognition. In fact, school board service is often one of the least glamorous forms of public service. The meetings are long. The decisions are difficult. The criticism is often loud, while the victories are quiet. Yet every vote, every conversation, every budget discussion, and every policy review carries with it the weight of a child's future.
That responsibility has always been enough for me.
As a member of the Covington Independent Board of Education, I've had the privilege of advocating for students, supporting educators, and helping shape decisions that impact our community for generations to come. I've believed from the very beginning that public education remains one of the greatest investments we can make, not only in individual children, but in the future of our neighborhoods, our cities, and our democracy.
This nomination reminded me that even when the work feels invisible, people are paying attention.
They're watching the late nights spent reading board packets. They're noticing the difficult questions asked during meetings. They're recognizing the willingness to listen before speaking, to collaborate rather than divide, and to keep students at the center of every decision.
What makes this recognition even more meaningful is that I am doubly honored to share it with my fellow board member, Hannah Edelen, who was also nominated for School Board Member of the Year. Hannah is a thoughtful, compassionate, and dedicated public servant whose commitment to the students and families of Covington is evident in everything she does. To see both of our names recognized is not only a celebration of two individuals, but a reflection of the collaborative spirit of our entire board and our shared belief that every child deserves the very best education we can provide.
For that recognition, I am deeply grateful.
But this nomination isn't really about me.
It belongs to every educator who shows up before sunrise to prepare a classroom. Every support staff member who keeps our schools running. Every parent who entrusts us with their children. Every student who reminds us why this work matters. Every fellow board member, including Hannah, who may not always agree on every issue but shares the same unwavering commitment to serving our community.
Public education has never been a one-person effort.
If anything, this nomination simply reaffirms something I've long believed: leadership isn't measured by titles or awards. It's measured by whether you've left the people you serve with more opportunities than they had before.
Whether or not this nomination results in anything more, I already feel incredibly honored. To even be considered among so many dedicated school board members across the country is both humbling and inspiring.
It also reminds me that service still matters.
Listening still matters.
Showing up still matters.
To everyone who has encouraged me, challenged me, supported me, or trusted me to represent our community...thank you! Your confidence is something I never take for granted.
I'll continue doing what I've always tried to do: ask thoughtful questions, make difficult decisions with integrity, and advocate for every student who deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Awards fade.
Service endures.
And that, to me, has always been the greatest honor of all.
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