Westonka Recognizes Outstanding Staff, Volunteers and Retirees at Annual Celebration

Westonka Public Schools staff and retirees gathered May 8 at the Westonka Performing Arts Center for the district's annual recognition event. Emceed by Shirley Hills Primary School teacher Jack Boland and Westonka High School teacher Marc Doepner-Hove, the morning program honored staff who reached service milestones, celebrated Teachers of the Year, recognized the 2026 Ann Bremer White Hawks Award recipients, and bid farewell to retiring staff.

Long-time staff honored for years of service

The district proudly recognized employees reaching significant milestones:

• 15 Years of Service: Kaley Bell, Sherri Bode, Carey Carlson, Lyndsay Geyen, Klair Hans, Anna Peterson, Jacqueline Swartzer, Brianna Vogtlin
• 20 Years of Service: Gretchen Chilson, Heather Ehalt, Sarah Grimm, Chantelle Jordahl, Dale Kimball, Eddie Kutz, Anna Peters, Sara Schwartz
• 25 Years of Service: Christy Baker, Deb Castner, Michele Holloway, Roxi Saholt, Katie Seehusen
• 30 Years of Service: Deb Bailey, Tracy Gunderson, Todd Munsterteiger, Pam Tremblay

Westonka celebrates Teachers of the Year

Outstanding educators from each school building were honored as 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, selected by their peers for excellence and dedication to students.

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Mark Femrite reflected on the meaning of the recognition and the district’s culture of learning and connection.

“It is truly an honor to celebrate one of the most meaningful recognitions we, as a school district can give — Teacher of the Year,” Femrite said. “It reflects gratitude, recognition and lifting up the incredible work being done by many in our classrooms every day.”

He also highlighted Westonka’s culture of collaboration and commitment to students.

“Westonka is a very special place," Femrite said. "Here, learning is personal, teaching is a passion, and our collective commitment is to ensure that every child is empowered to reach their highest potential.”

“Today, by highlighting the building and district Teachers of the Year, we celebrate all Westonka educators,” Femrite added. “Thank you for your gifts, your perseverance and your unwavering commitment to our students. You are the reason Westonka continues to be such an exceptional place to learn and to grow.”

Building Teachers of the Year

• Janessa Cetin, Hilltop Primary School
• Debbie Loomis, Shirley Hills Primary School
• Lisa Bonk, Westonka High School
• Ashley Schroeder, Westonka Middle School

[Read more about the 2025-26 building teachers of the year]

Westonka Teacher of the Year

Westonka Middle School math teacher Ashley Schroeder was named the 2026 Westonka Teacher of the Year. In her remarks, she reflected on both the humor and heart of teaching adolescents.

“I always joke that most people teaching middle school never start their careers wanting to teach middle school,” Schroeder said. “Let’s be real — they’re hormonal, stinky, sassy … but they’re also curious, energetic and adaptable. That, and their love language is also sarcasm.”

She spoke about the deeper purpose behind the daily work of educators.

“In between the chaos, the questions and the occasional airborne object, something really incredible happens in ALL of our classrooms,” she said. “We have this unique opportunity to make a difference in ways that don’t always show up on a test. And that is what drives us.”

Schroeder also reflected on perseverance in teaching.

“Even on the hard days—when the lesson doesn’t go as planned (and of course our admin drop in on those days), or when the energy is low and it feels like you’re talking to the wall—those are the days something important is still happening,” she said. “You are still connecting with students who are growing and developing. You are still planting the seeds of life-long learning.”

She closed with a message of gratitude for educators at all stages of their careers.

“Whether you are brand new or one of the 30+ year veterans we just honored, we all need the reminder that what we do matters,” Schroeder said. “Making a difference doesn’t always look big or dramatic. Sometimes it looks like a quiet conversation, a warm hug, or a little extra grace when confiscating the 11th NeeDoh of the day.”

Community volunteers honored with Ann Bremer White Hawks Award

Superintendent Kevin Borg and School Board Chair Gary Wollner presented the 2026 Ann Bremer White Hawks Award to Matt Van Nelson and the Westonka District 277 Foundation for their service to Westonka Public Schools.

Matt Van Nelson

Borg recognized Van Nelson for volunteering his photography services at district events and activities for more than six years.

“Matt’s work goes beyond documenting events — it celebrates our students, fosters community pride and strengthens the bonds that make Westonka so special,” he said. “He shares his photos freely, gives families keepsakes they will treasure for years and mentors aspiring photographers, creating a lasting visual legacy for our schools.”

He added, “Ann Bremer was a tireless champion for all students, giving selflessly without seeking recognition. Matt mirrors that same spirit, using his gifts to make our district brighter, stronger and more connected.”

Westonka District 277 Foundation

Wollner recognized the Westonka District 277 Foundation for more than three decades of support for Westonka students and staff through grants and scholarships.

“For more than 30 years, the Foundation has been turning ideas into action, providing classroom and community grants that have supported student retreats, enrichment programs and creative projects across our schools,” Wollner said. “They’ve awarded over $251,900 in grants, helping students grow, learn and explore beyond the classroom.”

He also highlighted the Foundation’s scholarship support.

“The Foundation has given more than $1,000,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, opening doors for students to pursue their post-secondary goals and dreams,” he said. “Their dedication goes far beyond financial support—it’s a true commitment to the success and well-being of every student and educator in Westonka.”

Wollner emphasized the Foundation’s community-wide impact.

“What makes the Foundation extra special is how they bring people together—educators, parents, local businesses and community members—all working toward the same goal: empowering students and strengthening our schools,” he said. “Because of their dedication, students have access to opportunities they might not otherwise have, and our community is stronger as a result.”

Westonka bids farewell to retirees

The program concluded with recognition of the district’s 2025-26 retirees, honoring their years of dedicated service to Westonka Schools.

Retirees include Pam Garvais, Tracy Gunderson, Lori Knauf, Jodie Mackey and Pamala Weber.