Kearney Public Schools’ “Celebration of Excellence” event will honor KPS retirees, as well as employees who have served for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years. In addition, the event will recognize individuals who have been awarded the KPS Foundation Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Retired Educator, and Outstanding Support Staff, as well as the KHS Distinguished Graduate.
“It is the highlight of our school year to recognize our remarkable staff for their hard work and dedication to our school district and to our students,” said Jason Mundorf, KPS Superintendent. “These individuals play a critical role in shaping the future of the students they work with, and it’s important to recognize their efforts and contributions. It takes many excellent people to form a quality public school system, and we are excited to again recognize the very best our organization has to offer. Lisa Reese Parish, KPS Foundation Director commented, “the KPS Foundation is proud to present the Annual Awards of Excellence at this event. The individuals nominated and selected for these awards are inspiring students to achieve their dreams.”
The Distinguished KHS Graduate is Dr. William Clark.
The Outstanding Retiree is Kathy Gifford
The Outstanding Support Staff Awards went to Lisa Cline, Jeanne Lightle, and Denise Valentine.
The Outstanding Educator Awards went to Jenn DeBord, Haley Gallas, and Vicki Maupin.
“Through some challenging times, these teachers and staff members never give up on our students,” Reese Parish continued. “Every day, they strive to bring out the best in Kearney Public Schools students. Dr. Clarke is an extraordinary example of what students can accomplish when our teachers connect with their students and encourage excellence.”
Honored Retirees:
Vicki Maupin 7 Years
Shane Beisheim 14 Years
Ray Still 14 Years
Diane Small 19 Years
Peggy Longmore 20 Years
Cherry Zimmerman 20.5 Years
Mary Fruhling 21 Years
Brian Hagan 25 Years
Barb Mayo 25 Years
Lynette Womeldorf 26 Years
Larry Pazdernik 27 Years
Cheryl Popple 28 Years
Ray Dietz 30 Years
Eric Kitzelman 32 Years
Tami Eatherton Anderson 36 Years
Dianne Lamb 50 Years
35-year Honoree: Tami Frye, Karen Fusby, Paige Garringer, Pat McFadden
30-year Honorees: Kim Humphrey, Anne Little
25-year Honorees: Maria Beucke, Kris Grassmeyer, Michelle Mosley, Chris Pocock, Mitch Sanny, Tracy Wilson
20-year Honorees: Mandy Farber, Travis Flies, Karmen Grant, Melissa Hatcher, Trena Miller, Sylvia Mishou, Jana Piper, Mark Whitacre
15-year Honorees:
Stacy Bean, Ranee Borowski, Arthur Bralick, Deborah Bridge, Andrew Chadek, Amy Denny, Clint Edwards, Leah Fleischman, Marni Garringer, Angela Haussler, Michalle Havranek, Carol Kreutzer, Randi Kuhn, Lori McArthur, Clayton Moyer, Nicole Peterson, Sarah Plonkey, Mary Roesler, Teresa Schnoor, Kerstin Schroeder, Crystal Staley, Jennifer Szymanski, Nicolle Williams, David Zimmer
10-year Honorees:
Megan Buerer, Jennifer Buse, Tami Buss, Kimberly Clark, Alyssa Clay, Brooke Cooper, Richard Eastman, Jared Gregg, Kyle Heilbrun, Cynthia Kelly, Allison Kleidosty, Jennifer Knipping, Pete Kropp, Joy Kruger, Marissa Kruse, Sara Langan, Paige Liess, Andrea Loya-Perez, Pamela Luke, Doris McMullen, Ashley Mostek, Patrick Nebesniak, Cherish Ohlman, Lerrin Rowe, Gerard Schiltz, Lynn Stewart, Jennifer Voichoski, Melinda Vollmer, Emily Watts, Tiffany Wernke, Greg Yochum
The event is on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Kearney Holiday Inn – Loper Ballroom and is sponsored by Allo Communications, B|D Construction, CHI Good Samaritan Health Systems, Family Practice & Associates, First National Bank of Omaha, Perry Guthery Haase & Gessford PC LLO, Sampson Construction Company, and Wilkins A|D|P. This year, KPS is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and the tables will be decorated with old Echo newspapers and photos from yearbooks from as far back as 1912.