Staff appreciation was the theme of the annual Belle Fourche School District awards reception last week. ‘Staff’ refers to everyone in the district from cafeteria supervisors, office personnel, bus drivers, classroom professionals, school board members, and administration.
Following a banquet style lunch of tacos, and appetizers provided by Los Agaves, the tone of appreciation for those associated with education in the Belle Fourche School District prevailed.
The event was sponsored by the Community Council of Education and took place at the Belle Fourche Community Hall.
Superintendent Orion Thompson served as the Master of Ceremonies. He commented enthusiastically on plans for the coming school year and next years’ award ceremony.
Principal Matt Raba introduced keynote speaker Jean Helmer, a familiar icon in the Belle Fourche education Teaching is not an easy business, she reiterated in her presentation.
“Kudos to you one and all for doing the task of holding students accountable. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Ms. Helmer is an iconic figure in education and literary circles in the Black Hills area. Her work as a language arts teacher, writer, and pastor have resulted in a measurable volume of community contributions. Ms. Helmer shared some highlights, epiphanies and challenges from her teaching career through her original poetry and personal accolades.
Then there were many accolades to be presented, beginning with The Friends of Education Award presented to Harlene Hill by Ann Anderson on behalf of the Belle Fourche Education Association. Mrs. Hill retired in 2002 after 28 years of teaching elementary school children.
Mrs. Hill who is well known for her positivity and kindness continues to be a dedicated presence as a volunteer at South Park Elementary. She continues to thrive from her teaching experience while serving others.
There were some special distinguished awards too, presented by Superintendent Orion Thompson to Austin Bishop, District 5 winner of the Golden Owl Ag Educator of the Year, Adam Nowowiejski for receiving the SDIAAA Region 8 AD of the Year award, Ann Anderson recipient of the Region 5 Teacher of the Year Award, and Samantha Hunter, recipient of NewsCenter1 and First Interstate Bank Award.
New teachers are not overlooked in Belle Fourche. Kyle Graslie was recognized as Rookie Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Thompson and Nita Justice went on to thank veteran teachers for their service. First were those who are retiring: Melanie Anderson, 33 years; Mary Day, 21 years; Lesa Krajewski, 17 years; Brenda LaBau, 31 years; Krista Minor, 29 years; Kim Nelson, 26 years; and Jeanette Nicholas, 39 years.
Years of service pins were presented to those employees with 5-25 years’ experience. Marcie VanDerWerff was the only recipient of a 25-year service pin.
Those honored for 20 years of dedicated service were Melissa Nore and Delwin Oedekoven, and Brandi Vansickle for 15 years of service.
Several staff were honored for 10 years of service: DeRae Bach, Angi Bergman, Christina Green, Megan Haag, Kyle Haxton, Nicole Hayworth, Sabra Hulm, Andy Johnson, Sarah Thompson, Traci Walding, and Kyle Webb.
Five-year service pins were presented to: Autumn Anderson, Kelli Clem, Lucy Cole, Nikki Fox, Jordan Hanson, Teri Kraklow, Sandra Lowery, Kendall O’Hara, and Melanie Williamson.
Athletics Director Adam Nowowiejski presented Jorden Esmay, Loree Schlichtemeier, and Toi Flick with honorary plaques to commemorate the dedication of these staff members for their service in extra-curricular activities.
As always, there are staff who leave the district to pursue new opportunities. Other employees leaving the district were invited to stand and be recognized: Zelda Anderson, Paul Nepodal, Audrey Pruitt, Lyndee Richardson, and Ashley Schrage.
Belle Fourche School District has a rich history of individuals recognized for state level teacher of the year awards. The tradition of recognizing individuals for exceptional service continues. Each year, one district teacher of the year is chosen. This year, the district added employee of the year awards in four categories. The employee of the year winners recognized for their exemplary service in their areas of expertise are: Kim Nelson, Clerical; Stephen Schmeltzer, Human/Child Services; Susie Gross, Maintenance and Transportation; and Sarah Graves. Paraprofessional.
There were numerous nominees for teacher of the year. Tiffany Bierschenk, Austin Bishop, Tate Bouman, Madison Burgers, Jonette Burns, Susan Cody, Erin Delahoyde, Grant Goodman, Karlee Gusso, Megan Haag, Storiee Halverson, Jim Hartwell, Kyle Haxton, Brenda Huffman, Danielle Hunt, Samantha Hunter, Chase Huseby, Lesa Krajewski, Brenda LaBau, Penny Louks, Stephanie Musilek, Tara Niesent, Kendall O’Hara, Micah Pennel, Reva Potter, Jamie Raba, Kelsey Ruzicka, Karen Schlekeway, Monica Tabisz, Emma Thomas, Traci Walding, Melanie Williamson, and Rachel Ziegler.
The three finalists for teacher of the year were Megan Haag (elementary), Penny Louks (middle school), and Austin Bishop (high school). The honorary title of Belle Fourche School District Teacher of the Year was presented to middle school teacher Penny Louks.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
