Although physical distancing translated into no costumes or dance routines at a full in-person gathering this year, the annual Welcome Back event came off this morning with a mixture of inspiration and hope for change in the coming year.
Children’s author and songwriter Laurie Berkner kicked off the event with a greeting and song especially written for the district’s employees and Superintendent Maryalice Russell noted that two of Berkner’s books, “We are the Dinosaurs” and “Monster Boogie,” will be delivered to schools for all pre-K, kindergarten and first grade teachers.
Dr. Russell spoke live and presented recorded segments from various staff and outside organizations intended to provide resources and background for the coming year’s initiatives in education and equity.
The superintendent recognized Jared Harney, named Outstanding Educator of the Year last spring as part of McMinnville’s annual Distinguished Service Awards, and the Rotary Teachers of the Year, including Sean Coste (McMinnville High School), Alyssa Grant (Memorial), Hayley Hook (Columbus), Karly Knauss (Buel), Cassandra Sparks (Patton). The event wrapped up with a video and followup of MHS teacher Sean Coste’s speech from the Rotary award meeting last May.
Local partner agencies shared resources that staff can access to better serve students and families who may need mental health, behavioral or other assistance during the year. Pastor Israel Valdez shared words of appreciation from the local community.
A few members of the School Board also shared their thoughts and good wishes for the coming school year.
The event included staff recognition to those who have served the district for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. Thank you, staff, for your years of service!
10 Years — Michelle Baker, Jordan Barich, Maryellen Barks, Douglas Barsotti, Angelica Boehme, Twyla Clevenger, Chad DeYoung, Grace Driver, Monica Gale, Amanda Hedstrom, Melaine Holliday, Vicki Johnson, Cody McCullough, Julie Melton, Lora Moye, Erin O’Connor, Eric Palacios, Charlotte Smail and Darla Smith
15 Years — Ashley Allen, Teresa Allen, Erin Brisbin, Jas Carpenter, Sean Coste, Cassandra Deturk, Karen Duyck, Sandra Feston, Kristian Frack, Cameron Gallop, Martina Guerrero, Ryan Hall, Deanna Havel, Patricia Hess, Benjamin Heuberger, Debra Hilfiker, Mark Hinthorn, David Holmes, Linda Jones, Maureen Kilgore, Rosemary Maloney, Tanya Mantle, Julie McAnally, Janelle McCormick, Kathleen McNeal, Nathan Murray, Carrie Rader, Amparo Rivadeneira, Kelly Robins, Tara Romero, Matthew Saltmarsh, Valerie Scott, Shelly Shilhanek, Anna Stahl, Jennifer Stokesbary, Jerome Verduyn, Karry Walters, Annette Ward and Kori Zinda
20 Years — Michelle Barff, Mike Barff, Don Britton, Brenna Coad, Rhonda Dehart, Cindy Flanagan, Barbara Johnson, Debbie Lewis, Julie Lockhart, Ryan McIrvin, Monica Mejia, Paige Petersen, Bradford Robins, Leah Spencer, Elizabeth Spencer and Ericson Teller
25 Years — Karen Lightner, Melissa Terrill and Heidi Upmeyer-Vollmer
30 Years — Joann Horne, Scott Johnson, Michele Kelsch, Tammie Snyder, Melanie Turnbull and Debbie Vickers
Sept. 2, 2020