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Abi Douglas-Lott, Communications Manager
601.545.3002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2025

Petal, MS– Petal High School teacher and leader Keshia Coulter has been selected as the Sun Belt Conference Extra Yard for Teachers Award recipient. She will be formally recognized during the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) football game on Saturday, September 13, vs. Appalachian State as part of the Sun Belt’s initiative with the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation to celebrate extraordinary educators.

This marks the second consecutive year that a Petal High School teacher has received this award– Crystal Giles being a 2024 recipient and recognized on the USM football game vs. South Florida. 

At Petal High, Coulter is known as the person who does it all—and does it with Panther Pride. In addition to teaching Digital Media, she serves as Cheer and Mascot Coach, Yearbook Advisor, and Panther Production Sponsor. Whether it’s helping organize Panther Palooza, leading pep rallies, or designing and printing materials for countless school events, Coulter’s fingerprints are everywhere on campus life. Her dedication goes far beyond the classroom, embodying what it means to be “all in” for her students and school community.

“The Extra Yard program honors teachers who go above and beyond, and Keshia Coulter is a shining example. Her lessons are engaging, interactive, and purposeful, preparing students for success in digital media and design,” said Jennifer Carr, Director of Career and Technical Education at Petal High School. “Beyond the classroom, she pours into cheer, mascot, Panther Productions, yearbook, and countless other Petal activities—leaving her positive imprint across the district as a true go-to for all things Petal.”

The Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, launched in 2015 by the CFP Foundation, recognizes and elevates educators across the nation by providing resources, grants and public recognition. As part of this effort, each Sun Belt institution receives a grant to support teachers through classroom resources, professional development and recruitment efforts.

To learn more about this recognition, visit https://sunbeltsports.org/news/2025/9/3/football-sun-belt-continues-extra-yard-for-teacher-initiative-with-cfp-foundation.aspx

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