TSC teacher is on par with the best, earns national honor

A Klondike Elementary School teacher has earned national recognition for helping students build character, confidence and healthy habits through physical education and golf.

First Tee, a nonprofit youth development organization, has named Andrea Bornino its National Teacher of the Year. Representatives from the organization surprised Bornino with the announcement in the school gym where students and staff celebrated her accomplishment with cheers and applause.

First Tee presents the award annually to an educator who goes above and beyond to deliver the First Tee School Program, which combines golf instruction with character-building and life skills.

“Mrs. Bornino brings an incredible passion for health and wellness to everything she does with our students. She understands that physical education is about more than learning how to play a sport,” says Principal Scott Peters. “Through golf and other activities, she gives students opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and learn how to work through challenges. Those are skills that students can carry with them well beyond the gym and into their everyday lives.”

A Purdue University graduate, Bornino has 19 years of experience as an educator. She serves as a liaison between TSC elementary physical education teachers and First Tee-Indiana, helping expand the program’s reach across the district. She advocates for the program among her colleagues and coordinates TSC’s annual School Skills Challenge at a local golf course.

As part of the national honor, Golf Digest will split $25,000 between Klondike Elementary and First Tee–Indiana. The state organization will use its share to expand the program to more Lafayette area schools. Klondike Elementary will use the funds to enhance health, wellness and physical education opportunities for its students. Bornino will also be recognized in November at the 2026 First Tee Network Summit in Florida.