2025 Bob Ashworth Award Presented to Karen Atkinson

Posted Date: 05/07/2025

May 7, 2025 – Amarillo ISD Director of Elementary Personnel Karen Atkinson is the winner of the 2025 Bob Ashworth Award for Outstanding Service. The award was presented to Atkinson at the District’s annual Service Recognition banquet.

Atkinson has been a lifelong employee of Amarillo ISD, serving the district's students and staff for 38 years. Throughout her career, she has been a teacher, learning facilitator, assistant principal, and principal before moving into a human resources role, where one of her duties includes hiring elementary school staff.

“Karen has a true heart for education,” reads the nomination submitted on her behalf. “Her driving force is ensuring students have the best teacher in front of them every day. While her focus is supporting teachers, she always keeps student success at the forefront of her decision-making.”

For more than 30 years, the Bob Ashworth Award has been given annually to one AISD employee with an outstanding career of service to students and staff. The award is named in honor of Ashworth, who served as superintendent of AISD from 1958 to 1978. Along with a plaque and a monetary award, Atkinson’s portrait will hang outside the boardroom of the Rod Schroder Education Support Center.

Retiring employees were also honored at the banquet. This year’s retirees celebrated a combined total of 2,305 years of service. Of this year’s retirement class, 25 retirees have 30-39 years of experience.