A seemingly routine school assembly turned into a big surprise for Hersey High School social science teacher and U of I alumnus Brad Abel, who won the Milken Educator Award and $25,000 Wednesday morning. After Milken Family Foundation co-founder Mike Milken announced the organization was honoring a teacher in the gym, Abel was still guessing which teacher when he heard his name called.

"I had no idea," he said. "It is such an unbelievable honor. I was 100 percent, completely shocked."
 
View the Milken Educator Awards website to see photos, videos, and information about the latest Milken Educator Award recipients.

Photo: Keri Wiginton, Chicago Tribune / November 9, 2011