Pictured, from left, are Westonka Superintendent Kevin Borg, Special Services Director Dr. Emily Rustman, October Westonka Way Award winner Amanda Tankersley and Shirley Hills Primary School Principal Scott Eidsness

October 23, 2024 — Paraprofessional Amanda Tankersley has been named the October 2024 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!

Tankersley started her job as an educational paraprofessional at Shirley Hills Primary School in 2023. A nominator wrote of Tankersley:

“Amanda is very kind, patient and caring. She is a very positive, encouraging person. She always jumps in to participate and helps the children she is with. She is watchful and makes sure her students are participating at their potential. She really demonstrates empathy. She knows how to engage with the children in her care and bring out the very best in them. She is a superb help in the classroom.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Superintendent Kevin Borg was joined by Special Services Director Dr. Emily Rustman and Shirley Hills Principal Scott Eidsness to present Tankersley 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.