Kearney, Mo., May 2, 2025: Kearney School District celebrated the best of the Bulldogs during the 2025 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception on Thursday, May 1 at Tobacco Barn Farm in Holt.

At the annual ceremony, KSD’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Award was given to Kearney Junior High media arts teacher Molly Kuebler and the Support Staff of the Year Award was given to Hawthorne Elementary’s Scott Henrichs.

“Kearney School District takes immense pride in recognizing the outstanding individuals and organizations that exemplify our core values of integrity, respect, future readiness, student focus, and resilience,” Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Jennifer Kopp said. “The 2025 Team KSD Awards spotlight those who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on our students and community.​”

At KJH, Ms. Kuebler has transformed the way students engage with digital storytelling. Her innovative curriculum not only teaches technical skills but also empowers students to express themselves creatively. Kuebler is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment, according to KJH Principal John Goodin.​

“Molly’s innovative approach to media arts education has not only enriched our curriculum but has also inspired our students to explore their creativity and think critically,” Mr. Goodin said. “Her commitment to student engagement and excellence embodies the spirit of our school and the entire district.”​

Mr. Henrichs consistently provides extraordinary support and dedication to the students he helps. Known for his unwavering commitment to student success, he provides individualized assistance that helps students thrive academically and socially. Hawthorne Elementary Principal Chauncy Rardon commended his patience, kindness, and the positive energy he brings to the school community.​

“Scott’s unwavering dedication to our students’ well-being and academic progress is truly commendable,” Mr. Rardon said. “His ability to connect with students and support their individual needs makes a significant difference in their educational journey.”​

The afternoon event also included the announcement of two other annual district awards. KSD Education Foundation Chair Season Kerns was honored as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. The Business of the Year Award was presented to both Precision Chiropractic and the Fulfillment House.

Mrs. Kerns has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and support for our schools. Her leadership has led to increased community engagement and the successful implementation of programs that directly benefit students and teachers. Season’s passion for education and volunteerism makes her an invaluable asset to KSD.​

“Season’s tireless efforts and leadership have greatly enhanced the resources available to our students and educators,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “Her dedication exemplifies the profound impact that community involvement has on our schools.”​

Precision Chiropractic, under the leadership of Dr. Justin Cook, has provided health and wellness support to students and staff, emphasizing the importance of holistic care. Their proactive involvement in school events and health initiatives has made a significant difference in our community.​ They’ve also provided valuable Real World Learning experiences for KSD students.

The Fulfillment House, a nonprofit organization, offers meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities. Their collaboration with KSD has created inclusive work experiences for students, promoting life skills and independence. Fulfillment House’s dedication to empowerment and inclusion aligns perfectly with our district’s values.​

“Both Precision Chiropractic and Fulfillment House have gone above and beyond in supporting our students and staff,” Dr. Miller said. “Their partnerships with KSD are shining examples of how local businesses can positively influence education and community well-being.”​

The program also featured recognitions for KSD employees who will be retiring at the end of the current academic year. Each retiree was given the opportunity to select a book to be donated to the school library of their choice.

2025 Team KSD Retirees – Current Position, Current School, Years of Service in KSD & Book Selection

• Cami Aebersold – Guidance Counselor, Dogwood Elementary, 14 years (Carla’s Sandwich by Debbie Hermon)
• Shelia Drescher – Activities Department Administrative Assistant, Kearney High School, 19 years (Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner)
• Ginger Elsea – Director of Finance, Central Office, 13 years (Millie by McCall Hoyle)
• Denise Fischer – Kindergarten Teacher, Kearney Elementary, 20 years (Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate)
• Wendy Fish – Language Arts Teacher, Kearney High School, 24 years (Tuesdays With Morrie, An Old Man, a Young Man and Life’s Greatest Lessons by Mitch Albom)
• Amber Hiley – Teacher, LENS, 29 years (The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen)
• Cynthia Hollinberger – Paraprofessional, Early Education Center, 7 years (Oh, the Places You Will Go by Dr. Suess)
• Stacy Holtzclaw – Career Readiness Coordinator, Central Office, 4 years (The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch)
• Jennifer Kopp – Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services, Central Office, 23 years (The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe)
• John Luppes – Fifth-Grade Teacher, Southview Elementary, 29 years (There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom by Louis Sachar)
• David Schwarzenbach – Activities Director, Kearney High School, 24 years (It’s Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff)

This year’s school-level Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year award recipients were also recognized at the reception.

2025 School Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Holly Anderson
• Dogwood Elementary – Nicholas “Nic” Mattson
• Hawthorne Elementary – Chelsea Miller
• Kearney Elementary – Nanette Stout
• Southview Elementary – Rachel Terrill
• Kearney Middle School – Lauren Thomas
• Kearney Junior High – Molly Kuebler
• Kearney High School – Kassidy Robertson

2025 School Support Staff of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Donna Lance
• Dogwood Elementary – Ashley Bricker
• Hawthorne Elementary – Theodore “Scott” Henrichs
• Kearney Elementary – Kalie Dickson
• Southview Elementary – Jaclyn “Jaci” Mick
• Kearney Middle School – Brian “B.J.” Webster
• Kearney Junior High – Jennifer Duncan
• Kearney High School – Lacy Howdeshell
• KSD Central Office – Stacy Holtzclaw
• 2025 Team KSD Retirees

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the 2025 Team KSD Award recipients. Your contributions have not only enriched our schools but have also set a standard of excellence that inspires us all.

The post Top KSD Teammates and Retirees Honored at Annual Reception appeared first on Kearney School District.

Kearney, Mo., March 10, 2025: Kearney School District is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Team KSD Awards, recognizing 18 exceptional individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their roles.

The Team KSD Awards recognize employees who exemplify the world-class teaching and learning and support work that happens every school day in our classrooms and on our campuses. They have demonstrated a long-term commitment to Kearney School District, are outstanding professionals, support their students and colleagues, and are serious about serving our community.

“I don’t think it’s a big secret that the single most important part of KSD is our team. Their commitment to excellence from pre-K through graduation is why we consistently produce great results,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “This year’s Team KSD Awards winners are truly the best of the best. I am so proud of each of them and grateful for their contributions. I encourage our entire community to join us in celebrating these extraordinary Bulldogs!”

The award selection process started in January when KSD invited staff members to nominate deserving candidates for their school’s 2024 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year awards. One certified teacher and one support staff member were selected as this year’s recipients from each school within the district. 

These individuals embody the core values of KSD, including integrity, respect, future readiness, student focus, and resilience. They serve as role models for our entire community.

2025 School Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Holly Anderson
• Dogwood Elementary – Nicholas “Nic” Mattson
• Hawthorne Elementary – Chelsea Miller
• Kearney Elementary – Nanette Stout
• Southview Elementary – Rachel Terrill
• Kearney Middle School – Lauren Thomas
• Kearney Junior High – Molly Kuebler
• Kearney High School – Kassidy Robertson

2025 School Support Staff of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Donna Lance
• Dogwood Elementary – Ashley Bricker
• Hawthorne Elementary – Theodore “Scott” Henrichs
• Kearney Elementary – Kalie Dickson
• Southview Elementary – Jaclyn “Jaci” Mick
• Kearney Middle School – Brian “B.J.” Webster
• Kearney Junior High – Jennifer Duncan
• Kearney High School – Lacy Howdeshell
• KSD Central Office – Stacy Holtzclaw

These honorees will be recognized at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Excellence in Education Awards Banquet on April 23. All of our school Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year award recipients will be celebrated by the district along with our 2025 retirees during the Team KSD Awards and Retiree Reception on May 1. That is when KSD’s district Teacher of the Year Award and Support Staff of the Year Award recipients will be revealed, along with KSD’s 2025 Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year award recipients.

The reception is sponsored by the KSD Education Foundation. The district Teacher of the Year Award recipient will be given a $250 cash award and $750 classroom grant from the foundation, which will also give a $250 cash award and $250 classroom grant to the district Support Staff of the Year Award recipient.

The post KSD Celebrates the Best Bulldogs of 2024-2025 appeared first on Kearney School District.

Kearney, Mo., April 16, 2024: Kearney School District has selected Southview Elementary School’s Emilie White for the 2024 Teacher of the Year Award and custodian Carl Stenger for this year’s Support Staff of the Year Award.

KSD Superintendent Emily Miller revealed the recipients of the district’s top annual honors to cap off an afternoon of celebrations during the 2024 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception held on Monday, April 15 at the Tobacco Barn Farm event location between Kearney and Holt. She also gave KSD’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award to Rachel Thomas and the 2024 Business of the Year Award to Reed Portrait Group.

The event kicked off with a reception amid the site’s bucolic farm setting for the nine school-level Teacher of the Year Award winners, 10 school-level Support Staff of the Year of the Year Award winners, and the nine KSD employees who will be retiring at the end of the school year, plus Mrs. Thomas and a representative of Reed Portrait Group.

“In my time here, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible efforts and sacrifices made by each member of our team to ensure the success and well-being of our students,” Dr. Miller said. “I firmly believe that it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the tireless efforts of our team. While educators may not seek accolades, it is crucial to recognize the impact of their work and to ensure they feel valued and appreciated.”

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Zach McMains introduced the 2024 cohort of KSD retirees. He also read the titles of the books that they each selected that were purchased by the district and donated in their honor to their school:

• David Miller, Science Teacher, Kearney Junior High (Blind Watch Maker by Richard Dawkins)
• Lee Ann Campbell, Social Studies Teacher, Kearney Middle School (To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee)
• Jennifer McNeely, Counselor, KMS (Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul by Jack Canfield, Kimberly Kirberger, and Mark Victor Hansen)
• Sandy Henshaw, Assistant Principal, Kearney High School (Whole Brain Teaching: 122 Amazing Games by Chris Biffle)
• Kimberly Vanfossan, Science/PLTW Teacher, KJH (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)
• Kathy Spero, Math Teacher, KJH (The Book Thief by Markus Zusak)
• Heather Renzelman, Fourth Grade Teacher, Hawthorne Elementary (Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper)
• Jim Bundridge, Industrial Technology Teacher, KHS (Purchased his own book)
• Debra Zech, Lead Secretary, Kearney Elementary (The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson)

Director of Special Programs Heather Guilkey led the recognitions for the school-level Support Staff of the Year Awards:

• Wesley Cartwright (Paraprofessional at the Early Education Center)
• Elvia Digirolamo (Paraprofessional at Dogwood Elementary)
• Britney Smith (Secretary at Hawthorne Elementary)
• Leslie Pilar (Permanent Building Substitute Teacher Kearney Elementary)
• Nikki Foote (Paraprofessional at LENS)
• Carl Stenger (Custodian at Southview Elementary)
• Elvis Rodriguez (Custodian at KMS)
• Kim Goepferich (Administrative Assistant at KJH)
• Hue Marsh (Custodian at KHS)
• Rick Davitt (KSD Grounds Crew)

Along with his district award, Mr. Stenger received a cash award of $250 and a $250 school grant from the Kearney School District Education Foundation (KSDEF). In her remarks, Dr. Miller focused on his work ethic, team mindset, and positive attitude.

“Always willing to lend a helping hand and never hesitating to jump in when needed, his positive attitude and can-do spirit are a source of inspiration to all who know him,” she said. “Carl’s proactive approach to his duties and his willingness to pitch in wherever needed make him a true team player, and his infectious enthusiasm uplifts the entire school climate.”

The school-level Teacher of the Year Award honorees were introduced by Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Jennifer Kopp:

• Mary Watkins (Early Childhood Educator at the EEC)
• Chanda Murphy (Kindergarten Teacher at Dogwood Elementary)
• Stacy Sullivan (Kindergarten Teacher at Hawthorne Elementary)
• Shannan Ashcroft (Third Grade Teacher at Kearney Elementary)
• Shelly Dunn (Specials Teacher at LENS)
• Emilie White (Second Grade Teacher at Southview Elementary)
• Ann Marzette (Vocal Music Teacher at KMS)
• Amy Whitener (Librarian at KJH)
• Brittini Starzl (Foreign Language Teacher at KHS)

Ms. White received her district award from Dr. Miller in addition to a $250 cash award and a $750 classroom grant from the KSDEF.

“Emilie has a deep understanding of her student’s strengths and needs,” Dr. Miller said. “Colleagues and parents attest to Emilie’s exceptional ability to create dynamic learning environments that foster engagement, growth, and a sense of belonging. As a mentor to future teachers, Emilie plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of educators, providing guidance, support, and practical experience to aspiring professionals.”

Reed Portrait Group was chosen to receive the district’s 2024 Business of the Year Award because of the outstanding service and support provided by company founder Jim Reed and his team. Mr. Reed has been providing photography services for KSD since 1979.

“Led by Jim Reed, he and his team have consistently demonstrated excellence at capturing the milestones and achievements of our students and staff members through their exceptional photography services,” Dr. Miller said. “He and his team serve our schools with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine desire to exceed expectations.”

KSD’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year, Rachel Thomas, has three children in the school system. Last summer, she took on the formidable task of chairing the Vote Yes committee for our Prop S levy ballot measure. She also supports her school’s Parent-Teacher Organization and leads two Girls Scout troupes in the Kearney area.

“Rachel’s leadership, tireless efforts, and dedication are evident to all,” Dr. Miller said. “She has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and support among parents, teachers, and staff.”

MORE PHOTOS: 2024 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception Photo Album

The post Bulldogs Celebrate KSD’s 2024 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Award Winners appeared first on Kearney School District.

Kearney, Mo., February 23, 2024: It’s time to shine the spotlight on the outstanding members of our Bulldog family!

Kearney School District is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Team KSD Awards, recognizing 19 exceptional individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their roles.

“These remarkable individuals exemplify the dedication and commitment that define our district’s ethos,” stated Superintendent Emily Miller. “Their contributions are invaluable, and we are proud to honor them for their service to our community.”

The award selection process started in January when KSD invited parents/guardians, staff, students, and community members to nominate deserving candidates for their school’s 2024 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year awards. Eligible nominees in the teacher category included classroom teachers, special needs educators, art and music instructors, guidance counselors, librarians, instructional coaches, and physical education instructors. In the support staff category, nominees could include principals, assistant principals, administrative personnel, food service staff, bus drivers, nurses, custodians, and resource officers.

One certified teacher and one support staff member were selected as this year’s recipients from each school within the district. These individuals embody the core values of KSD, including integrity, respect, future readiness, student focus, and resilience. They serve as role models for our entire community.

2024 School Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Mary Watkins
• Dogwood Elementary – Chanda Murphy
• Hawthorne Elementary – Stacy Sullivan
• Kearney Elementary – Shannan Ashcroft
• LENS – Shelly Dunn
• Southview Elementary – Emilie White
• Kearney Middle School – Ann Marzette
• Kearney Junior High – Amy Whitener
• Kearney High School – Brittini Starzl

2024 School Support Staff of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Wesley Cartwright
• Dogwood Elementary – Elvia Digirolamo
• Hawthorne Elementary – Britney Smith
• Kearney Elementary – Leslie Pilar
• LENS – Nikki Foote
• Southview Elementary – Carl Stenger
• Kearney Middle School – Elvis Rodriguez
• Kearney Junior High – Kim Goepferich
• Kearney High School – Hue Marsh
• KSD Central Office – Rick Davitt

These honorees will be recognized at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Excellence in Education Awards Banquet on May 1. They will also be nominated for our district Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year awards, which will be announced in the spring along with KSD’s 2024 Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year award recipients.

The district Teacher of the Year Award recipient will be given a $250 cash award and $750 classroom grant from the KSD Education Foundation, which will also give a $250 cash award and $250 classroom grant to the district Support Staff of the Year Award recipient.

All of our school Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year award recipients will be celebrated by the district along with our 2024 retirees during the Team KSD Award and Retiree Recognition in April.

The post KSD Honors Outstanding Teachers and Support Staff at Each School appeared first on Kearney School District.