The St. Joseph School District Foundation is currently asking for nominations for 2014-2015 Bender’s Home Care Teacher of the Year, Hy-Vee Foods Support Staff of the Year and Meierhoffer Innovator of the Year. This year, they will also be adding a new award – the American Family Insurance Volunteer of the Year. All awards honor District employees or volunteers.

“Adding the Volunteer of the Year award to the honors is exciting,” said Charisse Giseburt, District Volunteer Coordinator. “The St. Joseph School District has outstanding volunteers who donate their time and talents to benefit the students and teachers. They deserve to be recognized and praised. You won’t have to look hard to find a volunteer to nominate. All of the schools have a strong volunteer base and dedicated people who are invaluable in our district.”

These awards have a long history in the District. The Teacher of the Year award was first given in 1977, the Support Person of the Year was introduced in 1985, and the Innovator of the Year has been around since 1993. This year, the Foundation is excited to add the Volunteer of the year.

“In looking at the current awards that are offered,” said Lisa Rost, SJSD Foundation Board Member. “We felt there was a need to also honor those that volunteer their own time in the schools, helping to educate our children. It’s important to honor those individuals that are teaching and working with our students each year, helping to build and grow an educated work force for the community.”

Community members are welcome to nominate teachers, staff or volunteers for awards. Nomination forms are available in all buildings in the Principal’s office, or from the Personnel office in the SJSD Downtown office at 925 Felix, or on the SJSD Foundation website: http://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/Page/4084.

Each award has different criteria, so please read the nomination form carefully. The Innovator of the Year nomination is due Jan. 31. The Teacher of the Year nomination is due Feb. 7. The Support Person of the Year and Volunteer of the Year nominations are due Feb. 14.

Awards are given for the following school year, and will be awarded at the Tribute to Teacher Recognition Dinner or Employee Reception in April 2014.

The 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year is Amanda-Fay Moore, teacher at Coleman Elementary. The current Innovator of the Year is Adam Lewis, teacher at Colgan Alternative Resource Center. The current Support Staff of the Year is Rhonda Hoselton, Office Manager at the Curriculum office.