Jacksonville Teacher Wins $10K for 71% Biology Pass Rate

Lekeshi Wormley thought it was just another day at KIPP Bold City High School in Jacksonville. Then her colleagues surprised her with news that she'd won one of the nation's top teaching honors, complete with a $10,000 prize.

The 10th-grade biology teacher earned the 2026 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award, chosen from more than 8,000 teachers across the KIPP network nationwide. Only 10 educators received the honor this year.

The numbers tell the story. During the 2024-25 school year, 71% of Wormley's students passed Florida's end-of-course biology exam. That's 11 percentage points higher than the statewide average for 10th graders and the highest pass rate on any end-of-course exam in her school's history.

But Wormley's impact extends beyond test scores. As Science Department Chair, she leads the school's Health Occupations Students of America chapter, connecting students with career paths in healthcare and building bridges to professional networks they might never have accessed otherwise.

Her journey to teaching wasn't direct. The Clinton, South Carolina native started her career working in a genetics lab. A friend suggested she try teaching through an alternative certification program, but it took time to find her calling.

After two years as a substitute teacher, something clicked. "I found myself falling in love with teaching students and being in the classroom," Wormley said.

Why This Inspires

Wormley's story shows what happens when natural talent meets genuine passion. She didn't set out to become a teacher, but once she discovered the work, she recognized it as her calling.

Now she gets to combine her love of science with working alongside young people every day. Her students don't just memorize facts. They see someone who believes in their potential and opens doors to futures in health sciences.

"Teaching is a calling for me," Wormley said. "It allows me to combine two things I love: science and working with our youth."

The surprise announcement came during Teacher Appreciation Week in early May, surrounded by school leaders, colleagues, and the students whose lives she's changing one biology lesson at a time.