Many of the Becker Public Schools staff and faculty gathered in the middle school Wednesday for the annual teacher’s recognition awards ceremony.
BEA President Margi Miller opened the event by welcoming all to the annual event. Behind Miller was a table that held certificates for winning teachers and hanging baskets for three retired teachers.
Jan Lefebvre spoke on behalf of Mary Ann Rindelaub, who was retiring from teaching after 23 years. Lefebvre said Rindelaub “always put in hours and hours of her time and for no pay.”
“She never held back nor skipped on an assignment,” Lefebvre said. “She was the perfect example of why we get into teaching.”
Jon Tweten gave a tribute speech on Kathy Wiant, who was absent from the proceedings. She had served as a teacher for 15 years.
“She’s not here because she is traveling,” said Tweten. “But I tell you, she is a classy lady and there was always something I could learn from her.”
Caroline Olsen paid tribute to the final retiree, Ginger Pederson, who also was unavailable for the event.
“Ginger so very much cared for her students and told me she’s had a rich, rich time here,” Olsen said.
Following the retiree celebration, certificates were handed out to 37 teachers, recognizing their amazing years of service.
For her five years of service, Holly Wieber was commended.
For 10 years, Aaron Stupar, Alex Jurek, Beth Kendall, Holly St. Germain, Heidi Tuorila, Melissa Olson, Robert Olson, Ruthanne Eldred, Wendy nelson, Jennifer Konerza, Nathan Bucher, Angela Murphy and Anna Babler were commended.
For 15 years of service, Traci Mathies, Nancy Buntrock, Lisa Romfo, Annette Shoberg, Courtney Backes, Hokan Bengtson, Leah Schreder, Nancy Walter, Joni Eichler and Susan Block received their awards.
Six were honored for their 29 years of service and that included Bonnie Fladebo, Matthew Eigen, Julie Fox, Sharon Meyer, Tammy Leabch and Caroline Olsen.
Four were awarded certificates for 25 years of service, including Judee Vesledahl, Brenda Holthaus, Regan Anderson and LuAnn Kasper.
For 30 years, Cindy Welinski and Sandy Forster were commended.
For 35 years, Sandy Hayes was honored.
A special mention went out to teacher Pam Calvert, who has served as a teacher for 42 years.
The final awards presentation was for teachers of the year for the four schools in Becker.
Welinski won the award for the primary school. Gail Peroddy for the intermediate school, Stacy Meyer for the middle school and Nancy Lorentz for the high school.
