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Germantown Honors October Teacher and Youth Excellence Award Winners
Post Date:10/28/2025 4:52 PM
During Monday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, the Germantown Education Commission honored outstanding local educators and students with the October 2025 Teacher of the Month and Youth Excellence Awards.
Teacher of the Month: McKenna Turnbow, Evangelical Christian School
The Commission recognized McKenna Turnbow, an elementary Spanish teacher at Evangelical Christian School, for the creativity, intentionality and joy she brings to every classroom. She personalizes instruction through weekly check-ins, student interviews and co-created stories, allowing students to make choices that engage them in learning. Her welcoming, colorful classroom fosters collaboration, confidence and a love of language, while her lessons integrate cultural awareness, empathy and global connections.
Ms. Turnbow enriches the school community through initiatives such as Worldview Wednesday, Culture Club, Construction Club and summer camps, providing students with opportunities for social-emotional learning, global collaboration and hands-on experiences beyond the classroom. As Round Square Coordinator, mentor teacher and presenter at international conferences, she models leadership and character, supporting both students and colleagues in their growth.
Parents and colleagues praise her authenticity, joy and dedication. “She genuinely cares about her students and their families,” one parent shared. “She makes learning fun and meaningful.”
Beyond her school duties, Ms. Turnbow contributes to the broader community by teaching English to adults at Su Casa and volunteering with Service Over Self, among other activities.
Youth Excellence Award: Genevieve Remsen, Briarcrest Christian School
The October 2025 Youth Excellence Award was presented to Genevieve Remsen, a senior at Briarcrest Christian School. Genevieve maintains an all-A record, earning the AP Scholar with Distinction designation, and has been recognized each year with the Joseph A. Clayton Award. At the same time, she excels in theater, dance and choir, receiving honors including All-State Choir and the school’s Fine Arts award, while continuing to develop her musical talents in voice and piano.
A natural leader and committed volunteer, Genevieve founded and leads the Caring Cards Club, which delivers handwritten notes to seniors. She also serves in leadership roles across honor societies and Girl Scouts, where she earned the Gold Award. She also volunteers weekly at the Send Relief Memphis Center and contributes to local nonprofits through grant writing and service projects.
Through her creativity, initiative and compassion, Genevieve combines excellence with humility, setting an inspiring example in academics, the arts and service.
Return to full list >>Teacher of the Month: McKenna Turnbow, Evangelical Christian School
The Commission recognized McKenna Turnbow, an elementary Spanish teacher at Evangelical Christian School, for the creativity, intentionality and joy she brings to every classroom. She personalizes instruction through weekly check-ins, student interviews and co-created stories, allowing students to make choices that engage them in learning. Her welcoming, colorful classroom fosters collaboration, confidence and a love of language, while her lessons integrate cultural awareness, empathy and global connections.
Ms. Turnbow enriches the school community through initiatives such as Worldview Wednesday, Culture Club, Construction Club and summer camps, providing students with opportunities for social-emotional learning, global collaboration and hands-on experiences beyond the classroom. As Round Square Coordinator, mentor teacher and presenter at international conferences, she models leadership and character, supporting both students and colleagues in their growth.
Parents and colleagues praise her authenticity, joy and dedication. “She genuinely cares about her students and their families,” one parent shared. “She makes learning fun and meaningful.”
Beyond her school duties, Ms. Turnbow contributes to the broader community by teaching English to adults at Su Casa and volunteering with Service Over Self, among other activities.
The October 2025 Youth Excellence Award was presented to Genevieve Remsen, a senior at Briarcrest Christian School. Genevieve maintains an all-A record, earning the AP Scholar with Distinction designation, and has been recognized each year with the Joseph A. Clayton Award. At the same time, she excels in theater, dance and choir, receiving honors including All-State Choir and the school’s Fine Arts award, while continuing to develop her musical talents in voice and piano.
A natural leader and committed volunteer, Genevieve founded and leads the Caring Cards Club, which delivers handwritten notes to seniors. She also serves in leadership roles across honor societies and Girl Scouts, where she earned the Gold Award. She also volunteers weekly at the Send Relief Memphis Center and contributes to local nonprofits through grant writing and service projects.
Through her creativity, initiative and compassion, Genevieve combines excellence with humility, setting an inspiring example in academics, the arts and service.