R-3 staff awarded by Northland Chamber

Platte County R-3 School District represented well at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Banquet, held last month at the KCI Expo Center.PCHS senior, Kacie Saxer-Taulbee, received PCR-3’s Excellence in Education scholarship (donor - Zona Rosa); Pro-Athlete, Inc. was honored as Business in Support of Education; Dale Long was recognized as PCR-3’s Volunteer in Support of Education; and Marvin Schildknecht of Northland Career Center was honored for Excellence in Higher Education. Sixteen staff members were nominated, and six took home awards for Excellence in Service or Classroom Teaching. Dean Foster, custodian at Paxton; David Scott, custodian at Siegrist Elementary; and Amy Wazac, counselor at Pathfinder received awards for Excellence in Service to Education. Dr. Jay Jones, director of bands; Jennifer Stammers, music teacher at Rising Star and Paxton Elementary; and Malinda Jeffries, first grade teacher at Siegrist Elementary were honored with awards for Excellence in Classroom Teaching. From the Excellence in Education nominees, PCR-3 selects its teacher, service, and support person of the year. This year’s Teacher of the Year is Jennifer Stammers, Service Person of the Year is Amy Wazac, and Support Person of the Year is Dean Foster. The awardees’ nominations included the following accolades: “Mrs. Stammers is a teacher that leads by example. She has a passion for teaching music and her passion is contagious,” “She goes above and beyond to support learning in our school by collaborating with classroom teachers.” “My children are lucky to have her in their life.” “There are no limits to what she is willing to do, if she thinks it would help a student or family meet with more success,” “I often look to Mrs. Wazac for guidance. She is an incredible role model. I am honored to work with such a wonderful school counselor and humanitarian.” “Mr. Foster is always ready to provide a helping hand at a moment’s notice,” “A quote from a student that really sums up Dean Foster: ‘Mr. Foster has been in Paxton for so long. He has touched many lives. Caring is what he is.’”