Kearney School District is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Team KSD Awards, recognizing 19 exceptional individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their roles.

“These remarkable individuals exemplify the dedication and commitment that define our district’s ethos,” stated Superintendent Emily Miller. “Their contributions are invaluable, and we are proud to honor them for their service to our community.”

The award selection process started in January when KSD invited parents/guardians, staff, students, and community members to nominate deserving candidates for their school’s 2024 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year awards. Eligible nominees in the teacher category included classroom teachers, special needs educators, art and music instructors, guidance counselors, librarians, instructional coaches, and physical education instructors. In the support staff category, nominees could include principals, assistant principals, administrative personnel, food service staff, bus drivers, nurses, custodians, and resource officers.

One certified teacher and one support staff member were selected as this year’s recipients from each school within the district. These individuals embody the core values of KSD, including integrity, respect, future readiness, student focus, and resilience. They serve as role models for our entire community.

2024 School Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

Early Education Center – Mary Watkins

Dogwood Elementary – Chanda Murphy

Hawthorne Elementary – Stacy Sullivan

Kearney Elementary – Shannan Ashcroft

LENS – Michelle Dunn

Southview Elementary – Emilie White

Kearney Middle School – Ann Marzette

Kearney Junior High – Amy Whitener

Kearney High School – Brittini Starzl

2024 School Support Staff of the Year Award Recipients

Early Education Center – Wesley Cartwright

Dogwood Elementary – Elvia Digirolamo

Hawthorne Elementary – Britney Smith

Kearney Elementary – Leslie Pilar

LENS – Nikki Foote

Southview Elementary – Carl Stenger

Kearney Middle School – Elvis Rodriguez

Kearney Junior High – Kim Goepferich

Kearney High School – Hue Marsh

KSD Central Office – Rick Davitt

These honorees will be recognized at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Excellence in Education Awards Banquet on May 1. They will also be nominated for our district Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year awards, which will be announced in the spring along with KSD’s 2024 Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year award recipients.

Each school-level Teacher of the Year Award recipient will be given a $250 cash award and $750 classroom grant from the KSD Education Foundation, which will also give a $250 cash award and $250 classroom grant to each of the school-level Support Staff of the Year Award recipients.

All of our Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year award recipients will be celebrated by the district along with our 2024 retirees during the Team KSD Award and Retiree Recognition in April.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal with the Kearney School District contributed to this story