Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
During a Yelm Community Schools (YCS) Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, nine employees within the district were recognized and honored with Educational Staff Associates Excellence Awards.
At the start of the board meeting, principals of each recipient’s school spoke about what the honorees mean to each school. Following the regards from nine principals in YCS, the honorees posed for a photo with board members.
Fort Stevens Elementary
The Fort Stevens Elementary recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Gaynor Fitzgerald-Males. She was recognized by Lisa Crowell, Fort Stevens’ principal.
“Gaynor is truly a utility player, much like those invaluable team members that every coach dreams about. This past season, we watched our Mariners nearly reach the World Series, and just as every player was vital, Gaynor is essential on our team,” Crowell said. “Gaynor is the type of counselor who is in it for the students, willing to put bounds to ensure they have what they need. She offers students so much.”
Lackamas Elementary School
The Lackamas Elementary School recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Megan Reed, behavior support assistant. She was recognized by Starla Watson, Lackamas’ principal.
“Megan joined our Lackamas daily this year as our behavior support assistant, and she has brought an exceptional dedication to her work and our school,” Watson said. “From day one, she jumped in confidently ready to support students and staff alike, as she balanced her responsibilities across two schools. With remarkable grace, her knowledge and skills help us all know that she is there to support.”
McKenna Elementary School
The McKenna Elementary School recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Myrna Porter, school counselor. She was recognized by Jodi Jarmin, McKenna’s principal.
“She ensures that every student feels seen, valued and supported — not just academically, but socially and emotionally,” Jarmin said. “Her work reminds our students that school is not only a place to learn, but a place to grow. Over the past few years, Myrna’s had to juggle her time between our building and Mill Pond. Yet, she’s able to hold her invaluable minute meetings, which allows our students to have that personal touchpoint and a trusted relationship with her.”
Mill Pond Elementary School
The Mill Pond Elementary School recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Kaycee Johnson, school psychologist. She was recognized by Becky Fowler, Mill Pond principal.
“Casey and I had the opportunity to work together for four years now. Her impact is just — I can’t even describe it,” Fowler said. “She’s an integral part of our MCSS structures, with providing interventions and communication and collaboration with teachers, our SPED staff. I truly cannot imagine a building without you, and on behalf of myself and the staff, we thank you.”
Prairie Elementary School
The Prairie Elementary School recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Laura Garcia, school psychologist. She was recognized by Holly Ackerman, Prairie’s principal.
“Laura is always positive and completely student focused,” Ackerman said. “She steps in to support staff with IEP’s and individual student needs. She brings creativity and problem solving to tough situations, and is always building strong and trusting relationships with families so that their voices are heard. Her ability to listen, to validate concerns, to translate family input into actionable support has already made a real difference for students at our school.”
Southworth Elementary School
The Southworth Elementary School recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Kimberly McMurray, school psychologist. She was recognized by Charles Cook and Traci Schulz, Southworth’s principal and assistant principal.
“The three things that I want to say are she’s a valuable member of our school, SPED team and our SEL team,” Cook said. “She’s a positive personality that consistently brings out the best in others — students or staff.”
Schulz added, “she truly is such a wonderful asset to Southworth. Not only does she build strong relationships with kids, she just has a way with kids. She’s always willing to go that extra mile to help staff, to help students, and she makes me a better principal.”
Ridgeline Middle School
The Ridgeline Middle School recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Sophia Apgar, school psychologist. Anthony Quichocho, RMS vice principal, presented on behalf of Craig Curry, RMS principal, who could not attend the meeting.
“Miss Apgar is a true asset to our school, and a true advocate for some of our most vulnerable population of students,” Quichocho said. “She is highly knowledgeable and competent, and we appreciate her amazing contributions to our school,” Quichocho read. “I’d like to add that she’s highly professional, easy to get along with, and she’s everything that you want in a school psych.”
Yelm Middle School
The Yelm Middle School recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Valerie Kempinski, healthroom assistant. She was recognized by Mark Bowden, YMS principal.
“She is often the only person in our building, of almost 700 kids, taking care of them and looking out for them,” Bowden said. “When we talk about creating a sense of belonging at Yelm Community Schools, we can just look at Val and watch her set an example of that. She is a rock for these kids. She is there for whatever they need.”
Yelm High School
The Yelm High School recipient of the Educational Staff Associates Excellence Award was Jeannie Beierle, school counselor. She was recognized by Chris Clark, YHS assistant principal.
“She’s a trusted mentor, a creative leader and a true part of our community and school. Jeannie, your dedication strengthens the bonds of one staff and students alike,” Clark said. “Your spirit has made a way to make this a place where people feel seen, supported and inspired. We’re grateful for your leadership, your kindness and enjoy seeing you at school every day. You simply make it the best day ever, every day.”
