This week's Raider Update is a celebration of our outstanding staff, highlighting those who were recognized at our recent staff appreciation event. Additionally, the usual calendar reminders are included for your convenience.
Staff Appreciation - We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this year’s staff appreciation event exceptional. The generosity of our community members and the countless hours of planning and hard work made it all possible. Special thanks go to the planning committee, the many, many volunteers, local businesses for their generous donations, Afton Logan for the beautiful awards, our National Honor Society students for their invaluable assistance, and our talented students who provided music for the event. This year’s celebration honored the dedication and service of all our incredible staff, with special recognition for milestone years of service, community education awards, candidates for Education Minnesota Hastings Teacher of the Year, the Employee of the Year announcement, and a heartfelt tribute to our 2024 retirees.
*Community Education Awards:
Bernie McCoy Community Service Award
The Bernie McCoy Community Service Award is given to an individual or organization that has demonstrated support and service to our community. This award honors Bernie McCoy, a former Advisory Council member and Senior Center Advisory Council member. He was very active in the community and with Community Education for many years.
The 23-24 recipient is Rivertown Boating and Fishing. For the past 10 years, the Hastings Rotary Club has sponsored the Rivertown Boating and Fishing excursions which are offered to hundreds of Hastings Seniors and persons with disabilities, only possible with volunteer captains and crew and the many, many “behind the scenes” volunteer hours. Thank you and congratulations Rivertown Boating and Fishing!
Community Education Lifelong Learning (CELL) Award:
The Community Education Lifelong Learning Award is presented yearly to a Community Education staff member whose work supports and exemplifies the concept of Lifelong Learning.
This year’s 23-24 recipient is Lori Gaertner. Lori serves as the lead for Fun, Friends, and Fitness in the Adults with Disabilities program. Lori’s award nominator described "her belief in the importance of inclusivity is a mindset and a way of life, making a positive impact that ripples far and wide.” Congratulations Lori and thank you!
*Education Minnesota - Hastings Teacher of the Year Candidates:
Congratulations to this year’s five candidates for teacher of the year. The final decision for teacher of the year will be announced on May 7.
Katie Donlan
Kendra Berg
Jeff Hoffman
Katie Mikla
Taylor Pagel.
*Congratulations to our 2024 Employee of the Year, Trent Hanson!
Each year, employees are nominated and selected each semester as employees of the semester and with a final vote in the spring of each year, the employee of the year is determined. Personally, I’m incredibly grateful for Mr. Hanson’s willingness to serve as interim middle school principal. Mr. Hanson’s team approach and his “whatever it takes” commitment has truly made a difference for both our staff and students.
Congratulations Hastings 2024 Retirees
This year’s retirees have collectively provided hundreds of years of service to Hastings Public Schools! Thank you for your service, and while our retirees will be greatly missed, we wish them the very best in this next chapter.
Karen Davidson
Julie Lindquist-Peine
Linde Raway
Daniel Reinardy
Laurie Thrush
Dirk Wassink
Margaret Westre
