Dorothy Rucker of Peabody received the Judy Day Award for distinguished service, the highest award given by the Walnut Valley UniServ, part of Kansas National Education Association. The organization works with teachers in Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, Marion, and Sumner counties.

Finishing her 37th year at Peabody-Burns High School, Rucker also served the education union as a building representative, secretary, vice president, and president. She also served as president, vice president, treasurer, and as an at-large member of the UniServ board.

She has been a member of the KNEA board of directors the past five years. At the National Education Association convention, Rucker was re-elected to represent small schools.

Rucker’s husband, Jim, and teachers Cathy Silvers and Brian Simmonds accompanied Rucker to the awards ceremony.