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Kirkwood Key Contributor Award

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In 2023, KSD launched the "Kirkwood Key Contributor" recognition program. The program is designed to highlight the work support staff members provide to KSD schools, students, and the community. Over 250 nominations were submitted. Of those nominations, 10 support staff members, who support our schools, buildings, teachers, and students in specific ways, were selected and notified via surprise announcement celebrations. The 2026-27 winners are:

 

Key Contributors

Steve Olsen

Officer “Grandpa” Steve Olsen is a trusted and caring presence across KECC, Robinson and Tillman, known for building strong, meaningful relationships with both students and staff. He goes above and beyond in his role—supporting safety, assisting staff, and creating positive connections with students throughout the day. From car rider duty to Bike Week and fishing trips, Officer Olsen consistently shows up with kindness, patience, and a true commitment to our school community.

Michael Schweigler

Michael Schweigler sets the standard for excellence as NKMS’s head custodian, ensuring the building is clean, safe, and running smoothly through his reliability, responsiveness, and calm leadership. He not only handles every request with efficiency and care, but also builds strong connections with students and staff, creating a positive presence throughout the school. Michael’s professionalism and commitment make a lasting impact on the entire NKMS community.

Steve Olsen

We are proud to recognize Roger Stream as a Key Contributor for Middle/High Classroom, Teacher, and Student Supports. A proud Kirkwood graduate who attended Keysor, North Kirkwood Middle School, and Kirkwood High School, Roger brings a deep connection to the community he now serves. He is a trusted, student-centered support in social studies classrooms, known for building strong relationships, supporting learning with patience and care, and being a dependable partner to both students and staff every day.

Mackenzie Crum

We are celebrating Mackenzie Crum, Technology Specialist at Tillman Elementary, for her outstanding support of staff and students. Mackenzie is always quick to respond, calm under pressure, and ready with a solution, making her an invaluable part of the building. Her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond ensure that learning never skips a beat.

Linda Becker

Linda consistently goes above and beyond for students and staff, bringing kindness, patience, and a deep commitment to helping every child grow academically and feel a sense of belonging. Her dedication to learning, collaboration, and supporting students in and out of the classroom makes her an invaluable part of our school community.

Jonathan Porter

Jonathan is a positive, steady presence at Robinson who leads with patience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to student success, building strong relationships that help every child feel seen, supported, and capable. Through his leadership of the Future Leaders program and his daily encouragement of students and staff, he continues to make a meaningful impact across our school community.

Tricia Mangan

Tricia Mangan is a vital support for KHS Pioneer Pathways, consistently going above and beyond to meet the physical and mental health needs of students and families. She combines honesty with deep compassion, helping students feel safe while connecting them to essential resources like food, clothing, and community support—often working through her own breaks to do so. Tricia’s tireless dedication and belief in every student’s worth make her an irreplaceable part of the KHS community.

Linda Coan

Linda Coan creates a warm, family-like environment at Keysor, greeting every student with kindness and making the cafeteria a welcoming space. She consistently goes above and beyond for both students and staff, often sharing her amazing baked treats and thoughtful gestures that brighten the entire building. Linda’s positivity, generosity, and care make her an essential part of the Keysor community.

Kelly Eschenroeder

Kelly is the heartbeat of Keysor—keeping everything running seamlessly with unmatched knowledge, calm positivity, and a genuine commitment to supporting every student, staff member, and family. From solving problems before they arise to creating a warm, welcoming environment for all, Kelly’s dedication, kindness, and deep roots in the Keysor community make her truly irreplaceable—congratulations, Kelly!

Dominique

For the past three years as a permanent building substitute at KHS, Dominique has been a reliable, positive, and professional presence—seamlessly stepping into long-term and day-to-day roles to ensure student learning continues without interruption. Respected by staff, loved by students, and always going above and beyond, she brings creativity, care, and consistency to every classroom, making her an essential part of the KHS community.

Chrisitan Robinson

Celebrating Christian Robinson, one of our outstanding Key Contributors at Tillman Elementary. She brings creativity, energy, and heart to Adventure Club each day—supporting students and teammates alike while going above and beyond to make a positive impact. A true team player and leader, Christian builds meaningful connections and helps make Tillman a place where everyone feels supported and valued.

Key Contributors 2025-26

 

Pamela Sigsby - Secondary Classroom, Teacher, and Student Supports - NKMS
Susan Whitfield - PreK-5 Classroom, Teacher and Student Supports - Robinson
Rachel Diaz - Adventure Club Supports - North Glendale
Alec Tegels - Technology Supports - Nipher
Jamie Vanderleest - Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Supports
Aubrey Perry - Substitute Supports
Richard Lamberty - Maintenance and Custodial Supports
Rachel Walther - School and Building Supports
Carmen Leigh - Food Service Supports

Key Contributors 2024-2025

Pamela Sigsby - Secondary Classroom, Teacher, and Student Supports - NKMS
Susan Whitfield - PreK-5 Classroom, Teacher and Student Supports - Robinson
Rachel Diaz - Adventure Club Supports - North Glendale
Alec Tegels - Technology Supports - Nipher
Jamie Vanderleest - Physical/Mental/Social/Emotional Supports
Tracy Sinner - Substitute Supports
Richard Lamberty - Maintenance and Custodial Supports
Rachel Walther - School and Building Supports
Carmen Leigh - Food Service Supports
 

Key Contributors 2023-24

Kyna McCoy - Physical, Mental, Social, and Emotional Supports - NKMS
Shelley Armstrong - Technology Supports - Robinson
Kathy George - PreK-5 Classroom, Teacher, and Student Supports - Keysor
Katharine Wager - 6-12 grade Classroom, Teacher, and Student Supports - NKMS
Kara Wall - School/Building Supports - KHS
Bryan Freeman - Maintenance and Facility Supports - Robinson
Brian Benben - Adventure Club Supports - Westchester
Phillip Norman - Substitute Supports - KHS
Henrietta Williams - Transportation Supports - First Student/Keysor
Barb Eilerman - Food Service Supports- KECC

Support Staff Past Winners
From 1994-2022, KSD recognized 5-7 staff members annually. Potential categories were: Aid, Assistant, Custodian, Food Service, Maintenance, Social, Office Personnel, Technical Support, Technology, Production Service and Mid-Manager. There was not a winner in every category every year, and some years, there were 2 winners in a category. Since 2013, there have been six winners, and one in the following categories: Assistant, Custodian, Maintenance, Special, Office Personnel, and Technical Support. Past winners include:

KSD Support Staff 2022-2023
Beth Thorman
Patricia Rozycke
Ron Ming
Emily Burney
Lorna Dick
Daniel Borgmann

KSD Support Staff 2021-2022
During the 2021-22 school year, KSD celebrated all staff with the #ThankfulForYou Campaign. No
individual awards.

KSD Support Staff 2020-2021
Veronique Vineyard
Steve Schwer
Ron Turner
Katy Harris
Aimee Moore
Tashia Nelson

KSD Support Staff 2019-2020
Janet Schafer
Stephanie Pedroley
John Buerk
Joe Biondo
Aey Melton
Michelle Albers

KSD Support Staff 2018-2019
Jill Hanrahan
Brandt Jones
Jimmy Henrickson
Kari Kopp
Judy Suchenek
Eric Zigler

KSD Support Staff 2017-2018
Charlie Kelly
Ray Cano
Jason Mueller
Pam Dusenberg
Sara Grus
Suzanne Strong

KSD Support Staff 2016-2017
Kim Nielsen
Brittany Senator
Milton Brown
Dustin Portell
Matt Watkins
Dawn Rawlings
Nancy Zoghby

KSD Support Staff 2015-2016
Jill Haring
Robert Warren
Walt Gibson
Shawne Dubois
Traci Kihn
Bob Chapman

KSD Support Staff 2014-2015
Jennifer Siebel
Ray Maus
Jerem Gleiforst
Geri Lynn Dowdy
Brigget Kolb
Evelyn Zarbo

KSD Support Staff 2013-2014
Jean Marie Peterson
Clifford Nash
Joe Scott
Tom Gaither-Ganim
Diana Brockman
Lori Covert

KSD Support Staff 2012-2013
Kate Austin
Andy Nelson
Laura Avila
Keith Scholtz
Julie Tadros
Susan Dickherber
Joanne Rima

KSD Support Staff 2011-2012
Julie Healy
Lisa Butler
Arlie Potter
Irene Dobberstein
Carolyn Pierce
Randy Friedline

KSD Support Staff 2010-2011
Darrel Brooks
Debbie Fechter
Teresa Haggard
Alex Blackmore
Carole Ward
Cindy Barnett
Debie Risley

KSD Support Staff 2009-2010
Emily Kittenkuler
Cynthia Lillard
Jim Rockweiler
Cindy Branham
Angie Pillman
Debbie Martin
Mike Romay
Michelle Albers

KSD Support Staff 2008-2009
Sue Emmer
Tishan Rounds
Dave Robinson
Carol Kennedy
Linda Huber
Ron Chiaramonti
Carlos Glenn

KSD Support Staff 2007-2008
Barbara Kilker
Ronard Ireland
Julie Tadros
Montie Graf
Suzanne Strong

KSD Support Staff 2006-2007
Jeannine Moore
Danny Luebbers
Tony Koenig
Judy George
Laine McDonald

KSD Support Staff 2005-2006
Kelly Eschenroeder
Cindy Ricks
Andrew Nelson
Charles Bumgarner
Diane Franklin
Margaret Watts
William Storey

KSD Support Staff 2004-2005
Sandra Martin
Bob Thomas
Richard Watkins
Linda McKeon
Jacqueline Ravenscraft
Michael White

KSD Support Staff 2003-2004
Sue Hults
Lamont Adams
Ed Barylski
Mike Willmeno
Judy Layman
Lori Covert

KSD Support Staff 2002-2003
Betty Spence
Betty Baldridge
Theresa Hagger
Kipp Lapaglia
Judy Otten
Sandy Dean

KSD Support Staff 2002-2003
Prudence Yerkes
Cathy Bland
Chris Pallardy
Irene Dobberstein
Janice Tomlin

KSD Support Staff 2000-2001
Norma Schock
Robert Bailey
Charles Birtley
Tricia Fleming
Betsy Ehrhardt

KSD Support Staff 1999-2000
Terry Handley
Patty DeVuono
Tammy Stubblefield
Maureen Davis
Kelvin Samuel
Vicki Lucan
Trudi Lewis
Connie Mehler

KSD Support Staff 1998-1999
Terry Gilbert
Mary Hart
Henry Moye
Frances Niemann
Joe Scot
Pam Rice
Harriet Lange

KSD Support Staff 1997-1998
Charlene Stoney
Idean Buckner
Mary Binggelli
Jerry Kelly
Dennis Larkin
Doris Abrams
Brenda Thomas
Pat Deichman
Claudie Snyder
Bob Meyer

KSD Support Staff 1996-1997
Shirley Keel
Eugene Thomas
Marzetta Douglas
Jim Gutchewsky
Ray Kannady
Linda Henley
Carol Taylor
Mary Weston

KSD Support Staff 1995-1996
Debbie Toney
Carol Eddingfield
Brenda Lynch
Bennie Evans
Lorraine Wynn
Larry Swinger
Ann Hill
Terry Toolen

KSD Support Staff 1994-1995
Vivian Shinault
Dianne Magnusson
Bill Fuller
Opal Lnagraf
Jim Dressel
Sharon Marcrander
Marianne Ross