HUTCHINSON, KS- USD 308 Hutchinson Public Schools announces the district nominees for the Kansas State Department of education, Horizon Award: Kimberly Estes, Special Education at HMS7, and Emily Remar, 4th Grade at Graber.
The Kansas Horizon Award is a statewide recognition program administered by the Kansas State Department of Education to honor exceptional novice classroom teachers who show outstanding skill, dedication, and potential. Each accredited district may nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher who have just completed their first year of full-time teaching. Awardees are selected from four regions across the state—up to 32 educators annually—and are celebrated for their exemplary performance, innovative practices, and positive impact on students. Winners are recognized at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) conference, where they join a network of distinguished educators committed to advancing teaching excellence across Kansas.
Emily Remar Inspires Students with Respect and Real-World Learning
Emily Remar, a fourth-grade teacher at Graber Elementary School, brings passion and purpose to her classroom every single day. Emily is a proud graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She credits her own schooling experience, along with the many positive and encouraging teachers she encountered, with inspiring her career choice. She remembers the educators who believed in her potential, challenged her to reach higher, and made learning joyful. Those memories guide her approach to teaching, as she works to be that same steady, uplifting presence for her students. For Emily, every child deserves an adult who not only believes in their abilities but actively nurtures their dreams, and she has made this philosophy the heart of her work.
Creating a classroom culture that is inclusive and empowering is central to Emily’s teaching. She sees the classroom as a vibrant community where each student’s unique abilities can shine and contribute to the group’s collective growth. By setting expectations rooted in kindness and respect, she creates a safe environment where students can take risks, share their ideas openly, and develop confidence in themselves. Emily values the exchange of diverse perspectives and recognizes that collaboration not only strengthens academics but also teaches empathy and respect. Her goal is to cultivate a space where creativity flourishes and where every voice—no matter how small—is heard.
Beyond her classroom walls, Emily is deeply committed to connecting students with their community and the world around them. She believes that hands-on learning and real-world connections are essential to making education meaningful. Whether it’s arranging a field trip, inviting community members to share their expertise, or designing projects that tie directly to her students’ everyday experiences, Emily works to ensure that learning never feels abstract or distant. By bridging the gap between classroom concepts and life outside of school, she helps students discover purpose in their studies and equips them with skills they can carry far beyond fourth grade.
Creating a classroom culture that is inclusive and empowering is central to Emily’s teaching. She sees the classroom as a vibrant community where each student’s unique abilities can shine and contribute to the group’s collective growth. As she explains, “One way I strive to do this is through setting expectations based on kindness and respect for all students, regardless of their background.” By fostering this kind of environment, she creates a safe space where students can take risks, share their ideas openly, and develop confidence in themselves.
Kimberly Estes Empowers Seventh Graders with Teamwork and a Love for Learning
Kimberly Estes, a seventh-grade English teacher at HMS 7, draws her inspiration from a remarkable role model in her own life. A supportive fifth-grade teacher once showed her that learning is power—the key to changing circumstances and unlocking opportunity. That experience set her on a path to teaching, and today Kimberly channels that same belief into her work with her students. Her academic journey, which includes degrees from Allen Community College and Emporia State University, as well as current master’s studies at Fort Hays State University, reflects her commitment to lifelong learning.
When asked about her vision for the classroom, Kimberly shares a message that underscores her approach to education: “I had a 5th grade English teacher that inspired me to want to become a teacher. She always believed in me and was always so supportive. She taught all her students that learning is power and it is the only way that you can change your circumstances. The more you learn, the more opportunities that are open to you. I hope to instill this love and need for education in my students.” By believing in her students and modeling a passion for growth, Kimberly hopes to help each of them develop confidence in their abilities and discover their potential.
In her classroom, teamwork and collaboration are more than teaching strategies—they’re essential values. Kimberly fosters a culture where every voice is valued, and every student has a chance to contribute their unique ideas. Through group projects, collaborative activities, and clear, enthusiastic instruction, she creates a learning environment where creativity thrives. Her strong content knowledge and approachable demeanor make students feel supported, encouraging them to engage deeply with lessons and each other.
Beyond academics, Kimberly is dedicated to building meaningful connections within her school and community. She understands her students’ perspectives because she shares a similar background, which allows her to design lessons that resonate on a personal level. By volunteering at sports events and school functions, she shows her students that her investment in their success extends beyond the classroom. This visible commitment helps students and families feel valued and connected, reinforcing her belief that education is a partnership between school, home, and community.