The Arkansas City Public Schools board of education and administration honored staff at a reception and ceremony May 8. Staff members were honored with plaques for years of service to the district as well as individual district and state awards.

The Exceptional Educator Award honors outstanding teachers who exemplify the finest in the profession. This year’s recipient was Rosann Meier, first grade teacher at Adams Elementary School. USD 470’s Exceptional Educator also represents the district in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. Meier was described by her principal, Janet Bentley, as a strong leader, serving on numerous committees at Adams.

“Teaching is a demanding profession,” Bentley told the crowd at the awards reception. “Mrs. Meier does is it with a unique style, an effective skill and profound expertise. She helps produce very happy, well-educated students.”

The district’s first-ever nomination for the Distinguished Elementary Principal of the Year is Nancy Haas, principal at C-4 Elementary School and PALS preschool. The Distinguished Elementary Principal program is offered through the Kansas Association of Elementary School Principals.

The district’s Celebrating Greatness Award, which honors classified staff members who go above and beyond job duties, was presented to Lori Roths, secretary at C-4 Elementary School.

Rochelle Gray, third grade teacher at IXL Elementary School, received the Kansas Horizon Award for first-year teachers from the Kansas State Department of Education. And the ACTA’s Master Teacher award went to Georgia Sweetwood, sixth grade English teacher at Arkansas City Middle School.

Bells were presented to the retiring staff members (years of service to district in parenthesis):

• Dana Atwell, elementary physical education teacher, 24 years
  
• Catherine Bennett, middle school custodian, 26 years
  
• Tim Harmon, high school vocal music teacher, 25 years
  
• Mike Henry, Jefferson Elementary School principal, 17 years
  
• Terry Hoffhines, middle school social studies teacher, 32 years
  
• Tom Hollingsworth, activities director, 34 years
  
• Alana Holt, third grade teacher at Adams Elementary School, 35 years
  
• Wayne Jackson, high school physical education teacher, 35 years
  
• Caryl Morgan, high school art teacher, 31 years
  
• Steve O’Hair, high school social studies teacher, 27 years
  
• Shirley Zerener, middle school secretary, 22 years
  

A listing of other awards follows.

University of Kansas School of Education 25 Year Awards
Pamela Archer
Gail Burkett
Angela Harding
Mike Henry
Kathy Marshall
Barbara Scram
Jerry Smith
Sandra Tope
Cathy Wilcox

Length of Service Awards

20 Years:
Gail Burkett
Ada Dow
Cindy Freeland
Gene Hays
Edie Marsh
Linda Rademacher
Rilla Ramirez
Peggy Santiago

25 Years:
Bill Atwell
Tom Bartel
Marvie Davis
Tim Harmon
Kathy Marshall
Barbara Scram
Sandra Tope
Cathy Wilcox

30 Years:
Velma Hamm
Susan Haslouer
Bob Hicks
Wayne Jackson
Becky Roberson
Paul Shimon
Jill Sullivan

35 Years:
Alana Holt