Elementary KITES Teacher Named McDonald’s Outstanding Educator

Congratulations to Ozark's Elementary KITES Teacher Junee Townsend for being selected as a 2025 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator. She was chosen out of hundreds of nominations from 126 McDonald’s restaurants.

“We received over 480 nominations from local community members, parents and fellow educators who told us what makes their favorite teachers the best in the bunch, and you rose to the top as one of the most outstanding educators in our area,” the email announcement to Townsend said. “Your good deeds and remarkable work with the youth in our community truly make you an Outstanding Educator!”

McDonald’s Marketing Representative Roman Brazeal stopped by South Elementary Nov. 5 to present Townsend with her award along with a $100 gift card and flowers. Townsend is the district’s elementary KITES teacher. KITES, which stands for Kids in Talented Educational Studies, is the district’s gifted program, which serves grades 2 through 12. 

Brazeal said Townsend’s nomination was anonymous. And as he read it, Townsend’s passion for her job showed as she began to tear up. 

“She takes time to help students who give evidence of high achievement capabilities in intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership and academic performances,” Brazeal read from the nomination. “Many of these students struggle to fit in in the regular classroom due to knowledge beyond their years. Ms. Townsend helps them see who they are, understanding how they think. She sees much good in each student and works to bring out their strengths.”

This marks the third consecutive year an Ozark staff member has received this award.