West High School -

A grateful colleague said the following about Stacie in their nomination, "Stacie Henderson makes Liberty Elementary what it is today: unique, accepting, and progressive. She leads by example and always puts students first. She goes out of her way to make her staff valued. She makes time for everyone and is always supportive. Liberty is extremely lucky to have her lead the way!"

Kudos to Nichole Bunce, a TAP Specialist at East High School

Shawn Ferry said the following about Nichole in their nomination, "During the 23-24 school year, Nichole was instrumental in the continued success of the EHS Student Council. She put in a lot of time as a volunteer to ensure our student council events were top-notch. She is extremely creative and helped plan almost all our events. Nichole has a huge heart and is always giving back to the students and staff. She has a great understanding of what East High is and what it can be. As an alumnus of East High, she understands the traditions that exist but is also keen to put a new spin on activities for our evolving East High community. The enthusiasm and impact she has can't be measured. Without her, we would not have the successful student council and school community that we do. Nichole's efforts do not go unrecognized and her impact is felt on a daily basis. Kudos, Nichole!"

Kudos to Erica Somsky, the head principal at East Middle School

A grateful colleague said the following about Erica in their nomination, "Mrs. Somsky goes above and beyond for the students and staff at East Middle School. She could not be more supportive to her staff. The environment she has created for staff here at East Middle School is one to be proud of. If a staff member needs anything she finds a way to help them. She treats every teacher with respect. The teachers at East Middle School are so grateful to have her as our administrator!"

Kudos to Jenny Larsen, a special education teacher at East Middle School

A grateful colleague said the following about Jenny in their nomination, "Jenny is a hard-working, dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in her room. She is an awesome person and great teacher to work with. Kudos, Jenny!"

Kudos to Kathy Moreno, a paraeducator at East Middle School

A grateful colleague said the following about Kathy in their nomination, "Kathy is very hard working and loves helping the students in class. She is very kind-hearted and would do anything for anyone. I'm grateful to work with her!"

Kudos to Rebecca Rieken, the head principal at West High School

Glenn Baker said the following about Rebecca in their nomination, "Rebecca recently knocked a reunion tour for the class of 1974 out the park. The reunion committee had expressed interest in returning to the school as part of the planned activities for their 50-year reunion. In preparation, Rebecca set up the tour, continued to keep the alums informed and assured them the school would be available, and offered to personally lead the tour. When the day rolled around, Rebecca did a heck of a good job on the tour. She brought the group of alums to every part of the building, explaining new improvements in both the physical school, and the new programs that the school is involved with now. She got the group together at the old West High track and showed student records boards, too. At the end of this tour, there was even a welcome back “Class of 1974” message board. Rebecca took group photos and sent them back to the committee after the tour was finished. She is an exemplary role model and truly represented the school in a real positive light. It was a pleasure and privilege to have her take charge of this tour. Thank you, Rebecca!"

Kudos to Nathan Irwin, an assistant principal at North High School

A grateful colleague said the following about Nathan in their nomination, "The first days of school are so important, especially for those new to our building and he is setting such a wonderful tone for our kids. He has been visible, attentive, and kind to our students and families. Thank you!"

Kudos to Dawn Jones, a TAG teacher at Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School

A grateful colleague said the following about Dawn in their nomination, "Mrs. Jones was a great help with our kindergarten students during their first full week of school. Mrs. Jones helped out without being asked. She volunteered to help students needing additional support, took on recess and lunch duties, and offered a helpful hand at a much-needed time. These simple acts of kindness did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being awesome!"

Kudos to Kathy Moreno, a paraeducator at East Middle School

A grateful colleague said the following about Kathy in their nomination, "Kathy is an amazing co-worker. She supports students in every classroom, she goes above and beyond for them, and she helps me out, too. I'm grateful I get to work with her every day!"

Kudos to Anita Oliver, a SPED paraeducator at East Middle School

Natalie Dietrich said the following about Anita in their nomination, "I am nominating Anita for all her hard work. She works hard for the kiddos in the classroom. Thank you for everything you do!"

Kudos to Kelley Gilson, a paraeducator at Perry Creek Elementary School

A group of grateful special education teachers said the following about Kelley in their nomination, "Kelley has been an incredible asset to our special education team since she joined our team in 2022. Kelley is always flexible and willing to do whatever is asked day in and day out. She strives to ensure our students are included and is solution-focused whenever a problem arises. Each day Kelley comes to work ready to help all special education students we serve with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. We are so grateful to have her on our team!"

Kudos to SueAnn Hardin, registrar at East Middle School

Lisa Hamerlinck said the following about SueAnn in their nomination, "SueAnn works diligently and professionally to ensure student records are up to date. She communicates with parents, staff and other districts in order to help our learners transition to our building efficiently. SueAnn has put in countless hours making sure our school year has started smoothly and goes above and beyond in her role in our school. Kudos!"

Kudos to Matt Rodgers, a bus driver, and Stan Certain, a bus assistant in the transportation department

A grateful family said the following about Matt and Stan in their nomination, "The bus driver and assistant on route 12 are so helpful to our son and they always make sure he gets on the bus safely. They are so kind to him and we are grateful. Kudos!"

Kudos to Mary Perez, a building assistant at East Middle School

A grateful colleague said the following about Mary in their nomination, "Mary is an amazing asset to East Middle School. She helps with all things needed in the office and always has a smile on her face when you see her. We are lucky to have her at East Middle School!"

Kudos to Pam Nolen, an instructional assistant at Riverside Elementary School

Sara Medbourn said the following about Pam in their nomination, "Pam is so patient with all of the students. She shows care and understanding no matter what happens. She has been such a big help in the classroom and she is amazing with the students. Kudos, Pam!"

Kudos to Dane Doty, an instructional assistant at Riverside Elementary School

Kelly Sager said the following about Dane in their nomination, "Mr. D has been willing to step in and help with students as needed. He has worked hard to build relationships with students and often spends time working with students outside of his normal duties. Kudos, Dane!"

Kudos to Katelyn Girard, a special education teacher at Riverside Elementary School

Natalie Stubbe said the following about Katelyn in their nomination, "Katelyn has been going above and beyond to help students and staff. She has been so understanding and a positive person to be around. I’m very grateful to be working with her!"

Kudos to Liberty Buhman, a building assistant at Perry Creek Elementary School

The Perry Creek Special Education Teachers said the following about Liberty in their nomination, "Liberty has been so flexible with her work through the first few weeks of school. It didn't matter if it was planned or last minute, she was willing to cover whatever and whichever students needed her help. She never complains, she asks questions to make sure she's doing the correct thing, and she always has a smile on her face. We are so blessed to have her assistance in our building!"

Kudos to Doug Stewart, the transportation supervisor at Operations and Maintenance

Eric Kilburn said the following about Doug in their nomination, "Mr. Stewart has been outstanding to work with this year. At the beginning of the year, we had some logistical hurdles with our new Friday schedule. Mr. Stewart came up with ideas and was extremely proactive, looking to cover every need that our students had with their off-campus schedules. Mr. Stewart is immediate with his responses to requests. I am very grateful to be working with him as I know he cares about children and advocating for them!"

Kudos to Dee Dee Watkins, an instructional assistant at Perry Creek Elementary School

The Perry Creek special education teachers said the following about Dee Dee in their nomination, "Dee Dee is new to our team, but a staple at Perry Creek. We couldn't be more thrilled to have her here. Dee Dee has taken on her new role with positivity and always strives to do her best. She's not afraid to ask tough questions and push others around her to think outside the box. She has high expectations for students and ensures that they are successful. She knows when students need more support and when she can take a step back and increase independence. She's a valuable part of our team and her positivity every day is appreciated!"

Kudos to Kris Zeimet, an instructional assistant at Perry Creek Elementary School

The Perry Creek special education teachers said the following about Kris in their nomination, "Kris has been a staple here since joining us in 2021. She's worked with our most challenging kids with a smile and holds them to high expectations with an extreme amount of care. Our students absolutely adore working with her. She is great at building relationships with all students in our building, not just the students she serves. It doesn't matter what schedule she is given or how many people we're down, she shows our students and staff how to be flexible. To top off the fabulous things she does, she is also our team baker and always ensures staff have delicious homemade cookies, cupcakes, and pies to make our days brighter. We're so lucky to have her with us."

Kudos to Mireya Muños, an instructional assistant at Perry Creek Elementary School

The Perry Creek special education teachers said the following about Mireya in their nomination, "Even though Mireya is new to the district, she is a rockstar! She looks over our TK and kindergartners with patience, consistency, and care. She can be found hand in hand with her group managing transitions, learning routines, and finding joy in their everyday growth! Mireya is a valuable gem and we appreciate her so much!"