Pictured, from left, are Westonka Facilities Department administrative assistant Anna Holappa, Chief Engineer Steven Crandell, April Westonka Way Award winner Derek Axell, Facilities Director James Collins and Superintendent Kevin Borg

April 24, 2025 — Facilities engineer Derek Axell has been named the April 2025 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!

Axell joined the district in August 2022 as a district driver/custodian and transitioned to his current role as facilities engineer in July 2023. He has been recognized by many for his positivity and communication skills. 

A nominator called Axell an “amazing example of going way above and beyond,” pointing to a situation from earlier this school year when Axell, along with Chief Engineer Steven Crandell, worked to thwart a water backup into Shirley Hills Primary School. The project involved days, nights and weekends of working underground, pumping out the backup, and coordinating with city engineers. “I was amazed by their expertise in diagnosing a complex facilities problem and working towards the complete resolution,” wrote the nominator.

On Thursday morning, Superintendent Kevin Borg was joined by Crandell, Facilities Director James Collins and administrative assistant Anna Holappa to present Axell 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.