Making a Difference – October 2024 Nominees

We are thrilled to present the October 2024 Making a Difference nominees! These staff and students were recognized for demonstrating Waukee CSD core values and consistently exceeding expectations to support others. To help celebrate the good news, Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck and HR Manager Maggie Holton made surprise visits to buildings and read the nominations out loud.

October 2024 Making a Difference Nominees

  • Becky Twedt – Associate, Brookview Elementary
  • Eric Sharp – Custodian, Brookview Elementary
  • Andrew Bennett – Data Analyst, District Office
  • Kara Donovan – Career Transition Counselor, District Office
  • Katy Blatnick-Gagne – CTE, District Office
  • Lindsay Law – Director of Student Equity, District Office
  • Maddie Nolan – Curriculum Facilitator, District Office
  • Nahal Hasan – Family Support Specialist, District Office
  • Neal Seely – Data Analyst, District Office
  • Larry West – Bus Driver, Durham School Services
  • Ashley Ohmstede – Teacher, Eason Elementary
  • Dada Lolic – Associate, Eason Elementary
  • Devon Mau – Associate, Eason Elementary
  • Jen Barry – Associate, Eason Elementary
  • Laura Phillips – Associate, Eason Elementary
  • Arati Barve – Associate, Grant Ragan Elementary
  • John Owens – Grant Ragan Elementary
  • Sara Harlan – Nurse, Grant Ragan Elementary
  • Skylar Bjork – Teacher, Grant Ragan Elementary
  • Graham Jones – Principal, Maple Grove Elementary
  • Jolee Donnelly – Assistant Principal, Maple Grove Elementary
  • Jess Savage – Teacher, Northwest High School
  • Marissa Kuiken – Teacher, Northwest High School
  • Nick Ross –  Principal, Northwest High School
  • Sarah Ehlers – Teacher, Northwest High School
  • Scarlett McNulty – Student, Northwest High School
  • Steph Groathouse – Teacher, Northwest High School
  • Tara Rechkemmer – Librarian, Northwest High School
  • Kirk Johnson – Chief Operating Officer, Operations
  • Shaun Flood – Safety and Security Coordinator, Operations
  • Dia Bird – Teacher, Prairieview
  • Kevin Tow – Assistant Principal, Prairieview
  • David Naylor – Childcare Supervisor, Sugar Creek Elementary
  • Amber Sar – Secretary, Shuler Elementary
  • Chad Jamison – Teacher, Shuler Elementary
  • Mara Phillips – Instructional Coach, Shuler Elementary
  • Ryan Marzen – Principal, Shuler Elementary
  • Adam Shockey – Principal, Trailridge
  • Caleb Hales – Assistant Principal, Trailridge
  • Kolton Boyer – Teacher, Trailridge
  • Brea Burrack – Teacher, Waterford Elementary
  • Sarah Umthun – Associate, Waterford Elementary
  • Shelby Logan – Associate, Waterford Elementary
  • Andrew Sondag – Instructional Strategist, Waukee High School
  • Becky Foland – Instructional Coach, Waukee High School
  • Jacki Pleggenkuhle – Teacher, Waukee High School
  • Kaitlin Courtney – Special Education Teacher, Waukee High School
  • Kelli Nelson – Counselor, Waukee High School
  • Mike Yeoman – Teacher, Waukee High School
  • Natalie Felt – Teacher, Waukee High School
  • Steven Bossenberger – Teacher, Waukee High School
  • Tara Armour – Teacher, Waukee High School
  • Zoey Sternquist – Teacher, Waukee High School
  • Courtney Schoning – Special Education Teacher, Woodland Hills

Any staff member who wants to nominate a colleague or student may do so on the District’s intranet. To find the form, scroll down on the homepage until you see the green Making a Difference banner. Students may ask their teachers to help them submit a nomination.