Eugene Field Elementary teacher named 2025 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — For the second consecutive year, a teacher from Eugene Field Elementary School has been recognized as a McDonald’s Outstanding Educator.

Special education instructor Alexa Everett was selected from more than 480 nominations submitted by community members, parents, and fellow educators. The award honors educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication, creativity, and impact in the classroom, according to McDonald’s spokesperson Amanda Campbell.

“Her caring nature and commitment to student growth shine through in everything she does,” McDonald’s shared in its official announcement. “Whether progress comes in small steps or big leaps, Ms. Everett celebrates every success and encourages each child to reach their full potential.”

Everett’s nomination was submitted by Jennifer Morin, a speech teacher at Eugene Field, who praised her colleague as someone who “goes above and beyond,” is “patient and organized,” and serves as “a light in our building.” School administrators also highlighted Everett’s ability to bring “learning to life with hands-on, interactive, and engaging lessons.”

A member of the Eugene Field faculty for six years, Everett previously taught in the functional skills classroom before transitioning to a co-teaching role in first and second grade during the 2023–24 school year.

This honor follows last year’s recognition of Teresa Webb, marking back-to-back McDonald’s Outstanding Educator awards for Eugene Field Elementary.

Since the program launched in 2020, Poplar Bluff Schools has had seven total honorees, including:

• Amy Ethridge (O’Neal Elementary, 2020)
• Aleanna Moore (Poplar Bluff Middle School, 2021)
• Ashley Blume (Oak Grove Elementary, 2022)
• Teresa Hefner (Lake Road Elementary, 2022)
• Crystal Huddleston (Poplar Bluff High School, 2023)
• Teresa Webb (Eugene Field Elementary, 2024)
• Alexa Everett (Eugene Field Elementary, 2025)

Tony Seabaugh, McDonald’s area supervisor, presented Everett with a $100 Visa gift card and 100 McDonald’s “Boo Buckets” on Oct. 29 in recognition of her achievement. The donation continues McDonald’s sponsorship of the school’s Student of the Month program.