Mound Westonka High School paraprofessional Jamie Harms (pictured fourth from right) was presented with the Westonka Way Award on March 16.

March 16, 2023 — Mound Westonka High School paraprofessional Jamie Harms has been named the March 2023 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!

Harms joined the district in 2013 and currently serves as an educational paraprofessional at MWHS as the Student Service Coordinator for the Westonka Area Learning Academy (WALA). She is also co-advisor for Student Senate, advisor for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and co-director of MWHS Theatre musicals and plays.

A nominator called Harms “the glue that held things together” for students in the WALA program during distance learning at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “She has guided a group of at-risk learners through rough waters, using Zoom sessions, personal contacts and even house calls to make sure they have what they need to continue learning,” the nominator wrote.

“[Harms] also chips in wherever needed, helping out with yearbook, ACT testing, and coordinating Student Senate,” the nominator added. “She truly has immersed herself in our school and community, moving away from friends and family in Buffalo so she could reside in Mound and have her son attend our schools. I truly believe she embodies the Westonka Way and is very deserving of this award!”

On Thursday morning, Superintendent Kevin Borg was joined by MWHS Principal Jolene Herfel to present Harms with a special plaque and two gift certificates 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.