RIMSD#41 is hosting a virtual Educator of the Year gala on Thursday, April 15th at 7:00 p.m. In 2020 the school district was going to host its first-ever teacher appreciation gala but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gala was not able to be held. This year the celebration will be virtual and will celebrate and recognize the 2020 and 2021 winners.
The purpose of the event is to recognize the outstanding teachers from each school in our district. Each principal selected a teacher who is a tremendous support for students and demonstrates what it takes to be an outstanding teacher amongst their peers.
The virtual gala will be posted on the district's Facebook page at 7:00 on April 15. You can check it out @RIMSD#41.
2021 Educator of the Year Recipients:
Kara Thomas – Eugene Field
Emilie Heald – WJHS
Krista Dwinel – Thomas Jefferson
Steve VanDeWalle – TMLC
Alanah Alexander – EJHS
Michele McDonald – HMELC
Kelly Young – RIHS
Michele Blew – Denkmann
Kiley VanOpdorp – Longfellow
Kimberly Gardner – Frances Willard
Linda Anderson – Ridgewood
Amy Verstraete – Earl Hanson
Ashley Reeves – RIA
Susana Williams – RICMS
2020 Educator of the Year Recipients:
Tim Carroll - Edison
Mike Mertel - RIHS
Jessica Stockwell - Denkmann
Becky Morley - Earl Hanson
Sallie Heine – Eugene Field
Becky DeJonghe - FW
Mandi Stout - Longfellow
Wendy Kerker - Ridgewood
Stephanie Sanders- RIA
Alice Lee - RICMS
Troy Porter - Thomas Jefferson
Kelli Brannen - WJHS
Cheryl Gipson- TMLC
Denise Lekwa - HMELC