Education excellence can take place in many forms. Poplar Bluff Middle School’s Teacher of the Year Alex Bolt reaches children through physical education.
STEM instructor Melanie Schalk wrote, “Coach Bolt is a leader in curriculum due to his dedication to student success and ability to inspire students and colleagues.”
Bolt is also in the process of writing the fourth- through sixth-grade PE curriculum and developed the sixth-grade boys and girls travel developmental league. Fifth-grade teacher Melanie Lovette described the story of Bolt’s journey from being a math teacher in 2016 to taking over the PE and basketball programs.
“He had a knack for relating to many students, especially the boys who looked up to him as a male figure in their lives,” Lovette stated, “His hard work, determination, time, and love for teaching and students make him a deserving recipient of this award.”
Sixth-grade teacher Rikki Johnson agreed, “Over the years, he has contributed so much to our community but also our middle school from being a math teacher, PE instructor, and coaching sixth-grade basketball.”
Doman Lovett, one of Bolt’s students, wrote, “He is the best PE coach I ever had.”
Student Kingston Holman said, “Any time my teacher needs to make sure I get back to what I’m supposed to be doing, she says she will tell Coach Bolt and I get back on track because I don’t want to disappoint him.”
Parent Darla Nunn admired his unique ability to inspire students to their full potential.
“Coach Bolt goes above and beyond to create a positive and inclusive coaching environment where students feel motivated to become better players,” Nunn affirmed.
Beatrice Christian said Bolt provided a compassionate role model to her son.
“I appreciate you, coach, for the person that you are and the person that you help me train my son to be,” Christian stated.
He has a master’s in educational leadership from William Woods University and a bachelor’s in elementary education from Hannibal LaGrange University.