The Sacred Heart Academy award was established in 1999 in memory of Loretta Peter Mudd, a 1931 graduate and former teacher. The award recognizes a full-time teacher who demonstrates dedication to every student’s learning and full human development. The recipient is knowledgeable in his or her field and holds students to high expectations of achievement. The recipient also demonstrates service to others and inspires students to do the same. Teachers are nominated by their peers, students, parents, and staff.
Student nominators said of Mr. Staton, “his impact on me and my education has changed the way I learn. He has taught me to think outside-of-the-box, to be unafraid to speak my mind and that if you put enough work in, you can do anything you set your mind to,” and “I have never had a teacher that made me so certain of my passion in life. I now know I want to help others and change their lives in the way he has changed mine.” Others continued with, “his enthusiasm for the subject and for the students allows Mr. Staton to reach beyond the distinct role of teacher into that of someone who is invested in you, maximizing your potential,” and “you can clearly see the way this teacher cares for all students, especially during quarantine. Even when we finish online class, this teacher takes the time to stay on FaceTime with us to just talk.”
Fellow faculty and administrators also hold Staton in high regard saying, “he helps students learn the value of their learning and their ability to apply the knowledge that they gain for their own benefit” and “he has a profound knowledge of the subjects and an infectious passion for them.”
Derrick Staton is in his fourth year of service at Sacred Heart Academy. He teaches IB Global Politics and AP U.S. Government and Politics. Outside the classroom, Staton serves as a faculty
member for the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program, a Board member for the Kentucky Association for Academic Competition, the SHA Academic Team Coordinator and Varsity Quick Recall Coach, an IB Extended Essay and Personal Project Supervisor, is the incoming Social Studies Department Chair, and is an active member of the Kentucky Bar Association.