UCU Honors Knox Central Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

Maisie Nelson • May 7, 2025

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.


The initiative came in response to Knox Central High School reaching out to Union’s admissions team to see if they would be interested in participating in the school’s Teacher Appreciation Week efforts. Union gladly accepted the opportunity to support local educators and strengthen its community ties.

Macy Yother, an Admissions Counselor at Union who serves Knox Central, helped organize the event. She, along with President DJ Washington, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment James Becknell, and admissions counselors Kinsey Forgey and Mackenzie Snelling, were present to distribute vouchers and connect with staff.


(PHOTO: President DJ Washington and Admissions Counselor Macy Yother pictured with a handful of Union alumni who are now employed at Knox Central High School.)


“We’re so grateful for the teachers at Knox Central and all they do for their students every day,” Yother said. “When the school invited us to be part of their appreciation efforts, we jumped at the chance. We also asked teachers at Knox Central who are Union alumni to show their school spirit by wearing a Union shirt today—it was really special to see that support as we celebrated the educators in their building.”

Union Commonwealth University remains dedicated to building relationships with schools across the region and recognizing the educators who inspire and guide future generations.


For more information about enrollment at Union, visit www.unionky.edu/admit.

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