Edelen graduated from NKU with her bachelor’s degree in communication and history. She is currently a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Evaluation.

NKY teacher crowned Miss Kentucky

Through the program Teach for America, Edelen took an alternative path to becoming a certified teacher and taught sixth grade at Holmes Middle School in Covington after previously serving as an instructional assistant at Covington Independent Public Schools. Now she has a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky where she is continuing her education, working towards a Ph.D. She is also currently a candidate for the Covington board of education in the November election this year.

Northern Kentucky teacher wins Miss Kentucky pageant

Hannah Edelen earned a bachelor's degree in communication and history from Northern Kentucky University and a master's degree from the University of Kentucky, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in education policy and evaluation.

NKY teacher crowned Miss Kentucky - FOX19

Miss Kentucky's Covington teacher contract wasn't renewed ... - WCPO

She taught sixth-grade social studies and English for the Covington Independent School District, according to her LinkedIn.

Edelen graduated from NKU with her bachelor’s degree in communication and history. She is currently a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Evaluation.

Looking for something new, Edelen decided to head north to attend Northern Kentucky University where she was elected student body president and became her family’s first member to earn a bachelor’s degree. Through the program Teach for America, Edelen took an alternative path to becoming a certified teacher and taught sixth grade at Holmes Middle School in Covington after previously serving as an instructional assistant at Covington Independent Public Schools. Now she has a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky where she is continuing her education, working towards a Ph.D.

Edelen is also a children’s book author and in March published Hank the Horse and the Case of the Missing Eggs, a tale about information literacy. Her second book is titled Hank the Horse and Kentucky Proud which will be a story about Kentucky agriculture.

Hannah is a children’s book author. She taught sixth-grade social studies and English for the Covington Independent School District, including at Holmes Middle School, after serving as an instructional assistant at Covington Independent Public Schools.

### Hannah Edelen

Elected 2022
Term expires 12/31/26
Email Hannah Edelen (hannah.edelen@covington.kyschools.us)

Board of Education | Covington Independent Public Schools

Hannah was elected to the Covington Board of Education in 2022. Her term expires Dec. 31, 2026.

2026 Kentucky General Election

2022 Miss Kentucky Hannah Edelen is passionate her social impact project, “Read Ready Kentucky,” a project that serves to empower students by ensuring that all kids have equal access to reading. Photo courtesy of Hannah Edelen.

“It costs money to go to school, and as someone who was the first in her family to go to school, I am very aware of financials and what accessibility looks like, and so for me pursuing Miss Kentucky was really about having a platform to talk about issues that are important to me, but also about affordability for college,” she said.

Part of the Miss America pageant includes presenting a social impact project.

Northern Kentucky teacher to represent state in 2022 Miss America competition

Part of the Miss America pageant includes presenting a social impact project. Inspired by her own story where school became a safe place to grow her confidence, Edelen’s Read Ready Kentucky project serves to empower students by ensuring that all kids have equal access to reading. It is an extension of an existing program called Read Ready Covington. With emphatic support from the city and Covington Mayor Joseph U. Meyer, Edelen is thrilled to bring the initiative state-wide.

Edelen’s platform is “Empowering Young Women Through Education,” and she plans to use her title to advocate for educational opportunities for young women across the state.

Covington's Hannah Edelen crowned Miss Kentucky; will compete in Miss America pageant

Said she wants to use her platform to discuss college affordability.

Advocates for children’s equal access to reading through the Read Ready Kentucky initiative.

Plans to advocate for educational opportunities for young women across Kentucky.

- Said she wants to use her platform to discuss college affordability.
- Advocates for children’s equal access to reading through the Read Ready Kentucky initiative.
- Plans to advocate for educational opportunities for young women across Kentucky.

Access to Education

As of September 15, 2026, Hannah Edelen did not have a website or any information online.

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Hannah Edelen

As of September 15, 2026, Hannah Edelen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Kareem Simpson

- Board of education members work as a team to lead the school district by setting policy, providing resources, and overseeing employees. 
- The board of education is responsible for the local school budget. It reviews expenditures, allocates funds, and approves facility plans. The board may levy taxes if deemed necessary.
- The board of education hires and directly supervises the district superintendent.
- School board of education numbers are elected in staggered even-numbered years through a nonpartisan election and serve four-year terms. Most boards in Kentucky consist of five members. 
- Independent school districts elect board members at large; county school districts elect board members from divisions. 
- School board members do not receive a salary. They may be compensated for costs associated with state-mandated activities. 

Governs the local public school system and allocates the education budget. 