Frenship ISD is celebrating a major accomplishment for Alcove Trails Middle School teacher Sarah Denning, whose impact in the classroom has earned her one of the highest honors in the region. The Reading Language Arts teacher was named a recipient of the 2026 Lubbock Christian University (LCU) Award for Excellence in Teaching, selected as one of just two educators across Lubbock County to receive the distinction. 

Presented annually by LCU’s College of Education, the award honors exceptional educators for their dedication to students and the meaningful impact they make in the classroom. This year, eight educators were recognized as Distinguished Educators, with two selected by a review committee as recipients of the top award based on their teaching practices, leadership, and service to their school communities. 

Denning, who teaches 7th-grade Reading Language Arts, was nominated by Frenship ISD and advanced through a competitive selection process that evaluated criteria such as student performance, instructional practices, use of resources and technology, and community involvement. 

Alcove Trails Middle School Principal Rebecca Whipkey praised Denning’s passion and innovation in the classroom. 

“It is an honor to recognize Sarah Denning for the Lubbock Christian University Excellence in Teaching Award. Sarah is an exceptionally creative and dedicated educator who brings energy, innovation, and genuine care to her 7th-grade ELA classroom each day,” said Whipkey. “She makes learning truly come alive—whether by inviting a local attorney to teach students how to evaluate evidence or designing real-world learning experiences that deeply engage her students.” 

Whipkey added that Denning’s commitment extends beyond engaging lessons, shaping both the confidence and curiosity of her students. 

“This year, she even published her second book and created a fully TEKS-aligned curriculum to support student success. Sarah constantly reflects, collaborates, and pushes herself to ensure every student thrives. She is the kind of teacher students remember for a lifetime,” said Whipkey. 

Denning shared that receiving the award is both humbling and meaningful. 

“LCU has an excellent reputation for quality in their Education Department, so to receive this award from them is humbling. I am honored and grateful to represent Frenship,” said Denning. 

For Denning, teaching middle school students is a daily source of joy and inspiration. 

“I get to read books and write stories with kids for a living! It doesn't get much better than that! Middle school kids get a bad rap sometimes, but I wish people outside the classroom could see how smart and creative kids are at this age. My students are truly brilliant and delightful, and I learn something new from them every day,” said Denning. 

Her classroom is known for creating memorable and engaging learning experiences that leave a lasting impression on students. 

“I hope students remember that they are smart and capable, and that they know how to learn! I also hope that they remember how fun books can be. We had Cafe days with coffee and book browsing, Harry Potter parties, readers' theater dress-up days, and text evidence scavenger hunts. I hope that as they continue growing up, they always look toward reading as a great way to spend their time. They will probably also remember that I dressed up like a Roman soldier and yelled at them in Latin,” said Denning. 

Denning credits the supportive culture at Frenship ISD as a key influence on her teaching journey. 

“We are so blessed at Frenship to have the best staff, administrators, teachers, and students. Really! I have four children attending schools in this district, and I get to see firsthand the impact that the Frenship team has on them. Whether it is the fact that cafeteria workers know my kids' names and make them feel loved, Principals and APs with their endless patience, or the way my kids' teachers pour their hearts into helping them learn amazing things, the culture here is one of passion and support for teachers and students. I am just so grateful to be a part of that family. As a mom, knowing my kids are having such a wonderful educational experience challenges me to bring my best to the classroom too,” said Denning. 

Denning was recognized during a special reception held on April 21 at the LCU campus. As part of the honor, she received a $1,000 award, along with an engraved brass teacher handbell.  

Congratulations, Sarah Denning! We are proud of your excellence and the incredible impact you make every day.