School and Community Winter 2024

“ Tameka Evans works incredibly hard every day to be a positive influence for some of the students who need it the most. Some people see and recognize the care and effort she puts in every day, but most people don’t.” “Shout out to Candy Husk for being my mentor and for all she does on the sidelines.” - Lisa Lampe, Farmington R-7 “I have been impressed with Jordan Morin at Minnie Cline. She had a non-English speaking student enroll in her class and has quickly learned a few phrases, figured out Google translate and works hard to make sure the student has a smooth transition to our school. Jordan also received another Hispanic student a few weeks later. The students in her class follow her in encouraging and modeling behaviors.” - Leigh Ann Dunn, Savannah R-3 “ Wyatt Wilson is our Agriculture teacher and he is really passionate about not just having a glorified shop class. The kids love his class and he always expects respect for school.” “ Whitney Noland organizes the Day of Caring right before Christmas. It is a great way that students can learn to give back to the community. The kids really seem to enjoy it. However, it takes a lot of work and Whitney puts in many hours outside of the school day to pull this off.” - Jason Lozano, Billings R-4 - Rebecca Dill, Moberly

“ Lauren Mertz is our MSTA president and has always done a wonderful job of representing us. She is a great communicator, trustworthy and responsible. I always cast my vote for her when she runs for positions.” - Tanya Sanchez, St. Charles R-6 “ Anna Schneider is an outstanding teacher in all subject areas. She cares and works hard for her students, wanting them to grow and learn. Anna is a leader in her grade level and for our district.” - Patti Semmelbeck, Logan-Rogersville R-8 “ Lisa Deffenbaugh is our librarian. She came into this roll last year and took on two libraries, having to split her time between the two. Lisa and her aide, Jayme Reuter, have made these two libraries better places to be. Students and teachers are using the libraries more and are enjoying their time in both places. Circulation has risen in both locations, and classes are using the libraries more.” “We have a new Special Education teacher who is working on her master’s degree and trying to complete the autism program with Project Access because we have very little resources in our district. Go Lara Mallett !” - Pamela Snider, Osceola “ Riley Keltner is widely recognized as being one of the most outstanding teachers in our building. Her lessons are innovative, her lectures are engaging and she is the type of educator who doesn’t keep anything for herself - all of her good ideas and work are shared with others. She puts students first in all that she does, and they produce some of their best work for her. Riley makes everyone around her better and is so humble that she often says she stands on the shoulders of giants in our building. She is one of those people that just makes an entire place better by being in it and she deserves every possible opportunity to be recognized for her dedication to excellence in teaching.” - Molly Beck, Ladue - Savannah Essary, Cassville R-4

“ Stephanie Turner works hard and has gone above and beyond for her students while battling cancer.”

- Megan Jenkins-Smith, Hickory County R-1

“ Lindsey Kingsolver is an incredible educator and teammate. She has been named Outstanding Educator by our district this past school year - she is a problem solver, an ear when you need to talk, your fiercest defender and most loyal friend. This year, she has been managing her various roles as educator, team communication liaison, content team department head, grade level lead and other unofficial roles with determination, strength and resolve. Lindsey is helping new admin teams and teachers all over the building learn and acclimate to Lewis and Clark. She’s a leader in every facet of the school, and I’m lucky to be her teammate.” “ Trista Blanton exemplifies being a lifelong learner who constantly reflects and explores new strategies, while at the same time making sure all of her students know how much she cares for them.” - Kallie Dace, Spring Bluff R-15 - Scotty Watson, Jefferson City

“ Tara Prewitt is professional at all times and has a demeanor that allows parents to trust her as she reports on their child’s testing results.”

- Michelle Larkin, Wentzville R-4

- Laura Ohnemus, Hannibal 60

“ Robin Hogard wears MANY hats! She is TOP NOTCH and we are so lucky to have her!”

- Kelly Adrian, Cole R-5

“ Shelia McCullough is the best teacher/ momma to our staff that you could ask for. She will be hard to replace when she is gone from Pershing Elementary.”

- Amy Bates, St. Joseph

42 | WINTER 2024 S&C