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Health Services Team Earns Westonka Way Awards
On April 9, Westonka Superintendent Kevin Borg, Al & Alma’s President/CEO Jay Soule and a group of Westonka staff presented Dana Kraay, Kelly Mattson, Raiya Larson and Kathy Rothenberger with the final Westonka Way Awards of the 2020-21 school year.
April 9, 2021 — Westonka Public Schools presented the four members of the district’s health services team with the final Westonka Way Awards of the 2020-21 school year. The monthly award celebrates non-licensed Westonka staff members who go above and beyond for families, students and other staff—because that's the Westonka Way!
Led by District Nurse Kelly Mattson, the health services team consists of Hilltop Primary School Health Specialist Dana Kraay, Shirley Hills Primary School Health Specialist Kathy Rothenberger and Grandview Middle School Health Specialist Raiya Larson. The team has 23 years of combined experience with the district.
Mattson, Kraay, Rothenberger and Larson have taken on unprecedented responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been continually adapting and innovating to help keep the Westonka community informed, safe and healthy.
"Holy cow! What would we do without these women this year?!" wrote one nominator. "Not only are they still handling cuts, bruises, lice and loose teeth, this year they have the added responsibility of contact tracing and communicating return dates. The amount of data they have to manage is overwhelming, and they have done it all with a smile on their faces."
Another nominator wrote of Mattson:
This year, more than ever, our district nurse has been our health leader during the COVID-19 pandemic ... She has made herself available to students, parents and staff regarding COVID-19 along with everything else her job usually requires. She is always smiling, calm and willing to be available whenever and wherever necessary. She is the gold standard!
On April 9, Superintendent Kevin Borg and a group of Westonka staff and administrators presented Mattson, Kraay, Rothenberger and Larson with special plaques recognizing their award. Al & Alma’s President/CEO Jay Soule was also on hand to present each award winner with two gift certificates for the Signature Sunday Brunch Cruise on Lake Minnetonka.
The Westonka Way Award will be presented monthly again next school year. To nominate an employee for the award, please use the Google Form.