Hastings Middle School Principal Trent Hanson was honored at the ISD #200 Employee Recognition Banquet on Thursday as the district’s Employee of the Year.
Hanson received a standing ovation from the staff, school officials and community leaders gathered for the event in the Hastings High School Commons.
School Board Vice Chair Jessica Dressely introduced the honor.
“This individual’s fierce leadership and can do attitude has changed, inspired and motivated others to do their best in collaboration and dedication to students. He has fostered an environment of a safer, more respectful and responsible Hastings Middle School. Please join me in recognizing Trent Hanson as ISD #200’s Employee of the Year.”
Hanson was humbled by the honor.
“This was totally unnecessary, but I really appreciate it,” he said. I spend a lot of time in front of a mic, a lot of times for a lot of audiences. I usually have time to prep so I could say something poignant or impactful, and I really have nothing. I’m stumped. I’m kind of shocked.”
“I think what I would say is that we make a lot of choices every day. My family and I have made the choice to live here, raise our kids here, send our kids to school in our public system,” he said. “I’ve had a chance to work with a lot of awesome people and great organizations, the University of St. Thomas, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Inside Out Foundation, and I take great pride in saying that I’m from Hastings and I work for Hastings Public Schools. I guess if this recognition represents anything, I view it as a composite award. I’m just a byproduct of really fantastic experiences and really awesome people, hundreds of which are in this room, who have taught my kids or taught me or coached me and worked with me.”
Community Education Awards were also honored at the banquet. The Bernie McCoy Community Service Award, honoring its namesake for his dedication to Hastings Community Education, went to Rivertown Boating and Fishing, a Hastings Rotary Club Project that offers excursions on the river to those disabled and Hastings area senior citizens.
“For the past 10 years, the Hastings Rotary Club has sponsored the Rivertown Boating and Fishing excursion offered to hundreds of Hastings senior and persons with disabilities. Volunteer captains and crew provide these outings, and the Rotary Club members provide the program’s maintenance, supplies and coordination. Exploring the outdoors is not always an opportunity for seniors and is not always available to persons with disabilities. Using our senses to explore time on the river is beneficial to our overall health. We are so grateful to the Rotary and Rivertown Fishing and Boating for making this possible,” said Community Education Director Kari Gorr.
Lori Gaertner was honored with the Community Education Lifelong Learning Award. Gaertner oversees the Fun, Friends and Fitness in the Adults with Disabilities program.
Gorr read the nomination, “Lori’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility sets a shining example for educator everywhere. Her kindness and consideration create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities. She encourages her students to reach their full potential by being both challenging and supportive. Her belief in the importance of inclusivity is a mindset and a way of life, making a positive impact that ripples far and wide.”
The Education Minnesota – Hastings Teacher of the Year Candidates were introduced. They are all from Hastings Middle School this year. The Teacher of the Year will be announced from the group May 7: Kendra Berg, Katie Donlan, Jeff Hoffman, Katie Mikla and Taylor Pagel.
At the close of the banquet, the district’s retirees were honored: Karen Davidson, Julie Lindquist-Peine, Linde Raway, Daniel Reinardy, Laurie Thrush, Dirk Wassink and Margaret Westre.
