(KAIR)--The Superintendent for Atchison's Public Schools earned special, surprise honors Monday, when it was announced she had been named the 2025 Kansas Superintendent of the Year.

Announcement of Dr. Renee Nugent's selection to receive the honor, as presented annually by the Kansas Superintendents Association, was made Monday morning, during an assembly in the Atchison Elementary School gymnasium.

Nugent, following the announcement, made brief remarks regarding her excitement at being named with the recognition, ending with the motto, "We are 409."

Nugent was among three finalists for the honor, which included Dr. Kellen Adams, of Leavenworth USD 453, and Heather Bohaty, of Derby USD 260.

According to the Superintendents Association, all three will be recognized at the Kansas 2025 Superintendent of the Year Gala to be held November 14 in Wichita.

As the 2025 Kansas Superintendent of the Year, Nugent's application will be submitted to the American Association of School Superintendents for consideration as the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year.

National finalists will be announced in January 2025 and the national winner will be announced at the 2025 National Conference on Education in March 2025.