The red carpet was rolled out for Milken Educator Award winner Marcus Ross when he traveled to the Golden State in early April to receive his $25,000 prize during the national Milken Educator Awards Forum at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"We were all super excited," the Lakes Middle School math teacher said Friday.

"They announced, 'Marcus Ross from Idaho!' They had this huge spotlight, everyone’s standing and clapping," Ross said. "It was a very exciting experience to be in that moment and think about everything that I've done and all the hard work I've put in, the hours, the commitment to my school and my students and my staff. It was cool to know it was all worth it."

Dubbed the "Oscar of Teaching," the prestigious Milken Educator Award recognizes early- to mid-career educators who exhibit exceptional educational talent, accomplishments and leadership while also inspiring and motivating students, colleagues and others, in the classroom and beyond. 

Ross' award was first announced during a surprise event in November.

He said earning this award and being celebrated for his work has reminded him of his childhood and growing up in the public education system with teachers who had an incredible influence on him.

"That's the reason I'm here today," he said. "All those people impacted me in a positive way."

The Milken Award ceremony was a proud moment for 29-year-old Ross. He said he kept thinking about what it felt like to walk into his first classroom when he was just 22. 

"I put in so many hours, showing up before school, staying after school, taking personal time to make sure every student knows they're special," he said. "It all came flooding back."

A former Lakes student, Ross attended schools in the Coeur d'Alene School District from kindergarten until he graduated from Lake City High in 2014. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with an endorsement in mathematics from Boise State University in 2019.

He said the main message he wants to share is that every student who walks into a school — whether it’s a public, private or charter school — deserves the most positive experience and the respect to receive the best education and be able to grow wherever they are academically, mentally and emotionally.

"Everyone is so unique," he said, attributing his success to "knowing I was coming into this career with the perspective that each one of my students is unique and has their own special abilities to be successful in life."