The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) has named former educator and state representative Scott Lewis as the recipient of its 2026 Distinguished Service Award, recognizing a lifetime of leadership dedicated to advancing Kentucky’s public schools and the students they serve.
Presented annually during KASA’s Annual Leadership Institute, the Distinguished Service Award is the Association’s highest honor for a retired school administrator whose commitment to KASA and public education has left an enduring impact on the Commonwealth.
For Lewis, retirement marked not the end of service—but the beginning of a new chapter.
After a distinguished career in public education, Lewis continued advocating for Kentucky’s schools through public office, carrying the perspective of an educator into legislative discussions affecting students, teachers and communities across the Commonwealth. His career reflects a belief that leadership is measured not by position, but by a willingness to continue serving wherever that service is needed most.
“Scott Lewis has spent his life answering the call to lead,” said Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, chief executive officer of KASA. “Whether serving students in our schools or representing communities in the General Assembly, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to public education. His career reminds us that leadership doesn’t end with retirement—it evolves into new opportunities to make a difference.”
Throughout his career, Lewis earned the respect of colleagues across Kentucky by building relationships, seeking practical solutions and advocating for the success of students and educators alike. His ability to bridge education and public policy has helped strengthen conversations about the future of Kentucky’s schools while ensuring that the voices of school leaders remain part of those discussions.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes precisely that kind of lifelong commitment.
Each year, KASA presents the honor to a retired administrator whose service to the Association and to Kentucky’s public schools reflects exceptional dedication, leadership and influence. Recipients are individuals whose work continues to shape the profession long after they leave their day-to-day administrative responsibilities.
Lewis received the award during the second general session of KASA’s 2026 Annual Leadership Institute, held July 29–31 in Louisville. This year’s conference, themed Kentucky’s Education Future in Focus, celebrated the leaders whose vision and service continue to strengthen public education across the Commonwealth.
As attendees reflected on the role school leaders play in shaping Kentucky’s future, Lewis’ career offered a powerful reminder that leadership extends far beyond a single position or title.
“Our students benefit when experienced leaders continue investing in the future of public education,” Caldwell said. “Scott has demonstrated that service is not confined to a particular role. He has continued to advocate, mentor and lead in ways that strengthen schools and create opportunities for future generations. We are honored to recognize his extraordinary legacy.”
About the Distinguished Service Award
The KASA Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a retired school administrator whose exceptional commitment to KASA and public education has significantly influenced educational leadership throughout Kentucky. As the Association’s highest recognition for retired administrators, the award celebrates careers defined by integrity, service and lasting impact.
About KASA
The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) is the Commonwealth’s largest school administrator organization, serving more than 3,300 education leaders across Kentucky. Through leadership development, advocacy, networking and professional learning, KASA equips school leaders to provide every Kentucky student with access to an excellent public education.