Westonka Hosts Staff Recognition Event

May 4, 2023 — On a beautiful spring afternoon May 3, Westonka Public Schools staff and retirees gathered in the Performing Arts Center for the annual staff recognition event. The afternoon’s program honored staff who had reached years of service milestones, the building and Westonka Teachers of the Year, the winner of the Ann Bremer White Hawks Award for community volunteers, and the district’s 2022-23 retirees.

Scott Lhotka, Director of Westonka Community Education, and Kelly Newell, Performing Arts Center Coordinator and MWHS Choir Conductor, served as emcees for the celebration.

Long-time staff honored for years of service

Lhotka and Newell recognized long-time staff for their years of service to the school district.

Recognized for 15 years of service

• Jessica Baez
• Denise Landon
• Meagan Lenz
• Carey Morseth
• Sarah Wright

Recognized for 20 years of service

• Mindy Barrett
• Katherine Hagen
• Kathyrn Jo O’Gara

Recognized for 25 years of service

• Lisa Bonk
• Jill Borg
• Rebecca Burgess
• Sara De La Vega
• Lisa Jensen-Timmons
• Cheryl Mahoney

Recognized for 30 years of service

• Sherry Anderly
• Jennifer Hofstad
• Jim Kaeter
• Lori Knauf
• Joie Rogers
• Pamala Weber
• Roger Whaley

Recognized for 35 years of service

• Carmen Diamond
• Brenda Hoogeveen
• Julie Sotak

Westonka celebrates Teachers of the Year

Representing each of the district's school buildings, the 2022-23 Teachers of the Year were nominated by their colleagues for their exceptional commitment to student learning. Angela LaJoy from Westonka Early Learning, Laura Singsank from Hilltop Primary School, Freya Klein from Grandview Middle School, and Greg Sullivan from Mound Westonka High School were honored along with 2023 Westonka Teacher of the Year Melissa Bray from Shirley Hills Primary School.

“By highlighting Teacher of the Year, we highlight the effort of all educators through the examples of a few individuals,” said Superintendent Kevin Borg. “Not only do they have a strong command of the subjects they teach, but they are involved in our schools, and they are outstanding in forming relationships with staff and students.”

In speaking of the 2023 Westonka Teacher of the Year, Shirley Hills Principal Scott Eidsness said, “Children are at the heart of why Melissa Bray teaches. On more than one occasion, I have seen her in tears of joy listening to her students sing. Connecting with kids and helping them develop a love of music is what fuels her.”

One of Bray’s colleagues described her as “one of those teachers that makes a difference in the lives of people that remains with them, not for the day or year, but for their lifetime.”

Dr. Mike Schwartz honored for service to Westonka Schools

Also recognized during the program was Dr. Mike Schwartz, the 2022-23 recipient of the Ann Bremer White Hawks Award. The purpose of the annual community award is to recognize exceptional service to Westonka Schools. 

The award, which began in 2015, is named in honor of the late Ann Bremer, Westonka School Board member from 2004 to 2017, whose record of service as a district parent, community member and on the school board characterizes the contributions made by the award nominees. Bremer passed away in February 2017 after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Superintendent Kevin Borg told the audience that the award epitomizes Bremer’s spirit and her commitment to public education. There to hand out this year's award was Ann's husband, Scott Bremer, their daughter Molly Thompson, and her son Huxley.

As a doctor of chiropractic, Schwartz not only offers physicals free of charge, but he also often makes “school calls” or “house calls” to provide physicals to underprivileged students who do not have transportation readily available. He was also honored for countless hours of volunteer coaching at Grandview Middle School and Mound Westonka High School. His positive demeanor and engagement around the district are greatly appreciated.

Grandview Middle School Principal Christy Zachow nominated Schwartz for the award. In her nomination, she noted that while everyone knows there are many obstacles that create challenges for students to be successful, poverty can be overlooked as one such obstacle. While the school has found ways to scholarship students for activities, there has always been the issue of getting a doctor’s physical for participation in athletics. For families who are grossly underinsured or don’t have transportation, obtaining the required physical creates obstacles to participation.

“Dr. Mike helps to remove those obstacles. When kids can’t get to his office, he will meet them at school over his lunch break or after work to make sure they are healthy enough to participate,” said Zachow. “Not only is he ensuring these kids are in good health, but also that they can fully participate and be a part of a Westonka team. For many kids, there is nothing better than that, which can be key to their overall school success.”

Westonka bids farewell to retirees

To close out the program, the 2022-23 Westonka retirees—Jean Ann Thayer, Cheryl Mahoney, Sandy Cook, Carol Shukle, Dave Botts, Karen Boser, Michelle Borowicz, Lynne Peterson, and Nancy Taran—were recognized and thanked for their service with Westonka Schools. Retirees in attendance were asked to say a few words, and those unable to attend were invited to share a photo and written remarks.

View a slideshow from the celebration