Butler Tech is proud to celebrate two outstanding educators—Dr. Abbie Cook and Kylie King Luster—who were recently recognized as members of the 2025 class of the Women of Excellence. The West Chester/Liberty Chamber Alliance honored the ten recipients during its annual Women of Excellence Dinner & Awards Gala.
The event recognizes women who make a significant impact on business, education, culture, and philanthropy across the region. The Chamber also awards the Women of Excellence Scholarship, which supports women pursuing further education or professional advancement.
“Each year the Women of Excellence dinner and awards gala reminds us of the incredible talent, leadership and compassion that exists right here in our region,’’ said Joe Hinson, chamber president and CEO. “We are proud to honor these 10 extraordinary women who make a lasting impact in our communities every single day.”
Dr. Abbie Cook: Leading With Heart and Reimagining Learning
Butler Tech proudly celebrates Dr. Abbie Cook, principal of the Butler Tech Bioscience Center, for her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to students. Her work is grounded in a deeply held belief: “There are no bad kids. There’s bad circumstances they come from. There’s bad behaviors they might demonstrate, but all behavior is a form of communication.” Her approach begins with listening, understanding, and empowering students to grow.
Dr. Cook has long been frustrated by the limitations of traditional education, noting that “it’s an old system in a new world, and it just doesn’t fit anymore.” Rather than placing students in “rows and lines and boxes,” she believes they deserve spaces that build independence and curiosity.
This philosophy guided her leadership in designing the Bioscience Center’s innovative learning environment. One without bells or traditional lunch periods, intentionally structured to encourage autonomy.
“We wanted to create spaces where kids could interact more like adults and figure out how to make decisions about their day,” she said.
Her vision has also expanded the Bioscience Center’s programs with meaningful partnerships and student-centered supports. From therapeutic animal programs to support groups and community-based projects, she ensures students feel valued and prepared for life beyond high school.
For Dr. Cook, the most rewarding moments happen outside the classroom, when she encounters former students thriving in essential roles. Recently, when her stepson and daughter-in-law welcomed a new baby, two of the nurses caring for them were Butler Tech alumni.
“That’s the goal. We build them up, give them the tools to be successful, help them find their confidence and their place in this world, and then we get to see them out in the community, supporting all of us.”
The recognition carried special significance for Dr. Cook. She was able to share the evening with her childhood best friend, Rebecca Palmer-Riesenberg, who had spent the past five years bravely fighting breast cancer. The two grew up together, supported one another through life’s milestones, and celebrated each other’s achievements.
Dr. Cook and Rebecca were able to experience the Women of Excellence celebration side by side, surrounded by their families—a moment made even more meaningful by Rebecca’s long health battle. Just days after the event, Rebecca passed away.
Dr. Cook has expressed profound gratitude that they were able to share this honor, this night, and this memory together. The recognition became not only a professional celebration, but a deeply personal one—an evening that honored both her leadership and the enduring bond between lifelong friends.
Kylie King Luster: A Journey of Purpose, Advocacy, and Student Empowerment
Butler Tech also proudly recognizes Kylie King Luster, lead job coach and skills trainer for Project LIFE, whose personal journey has shaped her passion for serving young adults with disabilities.
Growing up with a reading disability, Luster was supported through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and one-on-one instruction throughout high school.
“I have a reading disability,” she said. “Through the one-on-one instruction, I got to meet peers with various disabilities, and I became fascinated with the way instructors taught them using different strategies.”
That early experience opened her eyes to an important gap: her peers often had nowhere to go after high school. “It really bothered me to see my peers with disabilities not really have any options after high school,” she said. This realization sparked her desire to pursue special education so she could be part of the solution.
Her path changed when she became pregnant at 19 and needed to enter the workforce quickly. She earned her associate degree in American Sign Language interpreting and began working in education. That decision eventually led her to interpret for Project LIFE, a moment that changed everything.
Project LIFE, a program for young adults ages 18–22 with disabilities, provides hands-on workforce training and independent living skills. “I really wanted to see how our community could make a difference,” she shared. In Project LIFE, she found the place to do exactly that.
Today, Luster serves as a lead job coach and skills trainer, working alongside students at job sites, coaching them toward independence, strengthening employer partnerships, and helping coordinate major daily operations on campus. Her leadership extends beyond her role. She trains new staff members and fosters a culture of support and empowerment.
Her journey has now come full circle as she returns to school to fulfill her original dream.
“I am actually going back to school to become a special education teacher,” she said. “I’m really excited that one day I’ll have my own classroom, and hopefully one day with the Project LIFE program.”
Dr. Abbie Cook and Kylie King Luster exemplify the heart of Butler Tech’s mission: transforming lives by empowering students through hands-on learning, real-world opportunities, and supportive relationships. Their leadership, compassion, and innovation strengthen Butler Tech and the communities we serve.
We are honored to celebrate both Butler Tech women as 2025 Women of Excellence. Their dedication inspires our students, staff, and partners every day.
