A veteran paraprofessional with more than five decades of service and three elementary teachers known for their dedication to students have been recognized with the Wessington Springs School District’s highest staff honors.
Renee Hurley was named Support Staff of the Year, while Niki Hainy, Sarah Larson and Kim Orth were selected as Teachers of the Year. The awards were announced during a staff appreciation event held May 15 at the Wessington Springs Recreation Center.
Elementary Principal Becky Fjerstad presented the Support Staff of the Year award, sharing comments submitted through the nomination process.
Nominees praised Hurley for her consistency, dedication and commitment to helping students succeed.
“Mrs. Hurley has been dedicated to helping students for years. She is incredibly consistent and pushes the students to be the best they can be,” one nomination stated. Another noted that students love Hurley because she “makes learning fun” and encourages them to find joy in the learning process.
Others highlighted her impact over nearly 51 years of service to the district.
“Mrs. Hurley’s dedication to our school is remarkable,” one nomination stated. “Her dedication of close to 51 years and the love of her students.”
This year, district leaders made the unusual decision to recognize three Teachers of the Year rather than selecting a single recipient.
Superintendent Jason Kolousek said the decision came after reviewing numerous strong nominations.
“As for Teacher of the Year, we did this a little bit different this year,” Kolousek said. “We had a number of good nominations. We had a lot of great nominations of a number of different staff, but we had three we thought kind of fit together because they basically work in the same hallway and they do a lot of great things together for our students. So we decided to choose three.”
Fjerstad said the selection also reflects the strength of the elementary staff as a whole.
“I tell people how blessed we are at the elementary school all the time with the staff that we have on board,” Fjerstad said. “One of these ladies told me, ‘I think this year is the best, most solid staff that we have.’” Orth, a third-grade teacher, was recognized for her leadership, commitment to student achievement and willingness to serve the district in a variety of roles.
“Kim looks out for every learner in our school, no matter what grade they are in,” one nomination stated. “She holds kids to high standards, puts forth the effort to make the district better, and is willing to stand up for what is right.”
Nominations also cited Orth’s strong academic results, positive relationships with students and coworkers, and involvement on committees ranging from PBIS to negotiations.
Hainy was recognized for providing kindergarten students with a strong foundation for future success.
“Niki gives our students the start they need at Wessington Springs School,” one nomination stated. “Niki is a warm and caring teacher, and gives our kindergarten students exactly what they need for a successful start to their education.”
Colleagues praised Hainy’s classroom management, communication with parents and ability to create a safe, engaging environment where students feel valued and supported.
Another nomination noted that students leave her classroom as “kind, respectful and behaved students” because of the care and consistency she provides.
Larson was honored for her ability to challenge students academically while also supporting their emotional growth.
“Sarah takes a tough year and meets students where they are academically and emotionally to produce amazing outcomes,” one nomination stated.
Nominations highlighted Larson’s willingness to mentor fellow teachers, share instructional resources and help colleagues implement strategies to support students with dyslexia.
“Sarah leads by example and treats her students with respect, while expecting that they will give their all and their full effort,” one nomination stated. “Her quiet voice and calm manner create a classroom scenario that facilitates optimal learning.”
Together, the four honorees represent more than a century of combined experience and a shared commitment to helping Wessington Springs students learn, grow and succeed.
Three Community Partners in Education were also honored at the luncheon. Find that story on PAGE FIVE