Bri Kading Named April Winner of Westonka Way Award
Bri Kading Named April Winner of Westonka Way Award
Becca Neuger
Pictured, from left, are Westonka Superintendent Kevin Borg, Shirley Hills Dean of Students Beth Hausladen, April Westonka Way Award winner Bri Kading, teacher Jill Johnson, and Principal Scott Eidsness.
Shirley Hills Primary School paraprofessional Bri Kading has been named the April 2026 recipient of the Westonka Way Award. The monthly award celebrates non-licensed Westonka Public Schools staff members who go above and beyond for families, students and other staff—because that's the Westonka Way!
Kading started working as a special education paraprofessional at Shirley Hills Primary School in 2022 and has been in the role ever since. A nominator wrote:
“Each day, Ms. Bri demonstrates incredible patience and a calm presence that helps create a space where students feel comfortable learning and growing. She has a gift for making every child feel recognized and important, building meaningful connections by understanding them as individuals, highlighting their strengths, and supporting them through challenges with compassion.”
“By knowing every student by name and welcoming them with genuine kindness, [Kading] creates a sense of community and belonging that is felt throughout the school and community,” the nominator added.
On Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent Kevin Borg was joined by Shirley Hills Principal Scott Eidsness to present Kading with a special plaque and gift card for the Al & Alma’s Signature Sunday Brunch Cruise on Lake Minnetonka.
The Westonka Way Award will be presented monthly throughout the school year. To nominate a non-licensed employee for the award, please use the Google Form.