Culinary student earns Spotlight Award; teachers, board members honored

Amy Nguyen, center, Learning Center student, was honored with the Student Spotlight Award at the Hays school board meeting Monday night.

USD 489

Amy Nguyen, Learning Center student, was honored with a Student Spotlight Award at the USD 489 school board meeting on Monday.

"Nguyen is a most-responsible student and has admirably demonstrated her commitment to making positive life choices," Superintendent Ron Wilson said at the school board meeting.

Amy’s story is unique as she is a first generation American. She is the daughter of two Vietnamese immigrants who have worked their entire adult lives on alternative shifts so that they could personally raise their children. For this family, only the American dream is what they desired for their children.

Amy has honored the hard work of her parents by developing her creativity in the field of the culinary arts. Amy will graduate from NCK Technical College with 38 college credit hours having earned a Culinary Arts Certificate on May 9, two days before she graduates from high school on May 11, 2020.

"One of Amy’s most poignant gifts is her ability to serve others," Wilson said. "Furthermore, the work she has done thus far merely demonstrates she gains the greatest satisfaction of a job well done by celebrating and encouraging others.

"In the last few decades, downtown Hays has been transformed with eclectic shops and businesses that have made Hays a destination. Amy can become part of the vibrant economy in Hays as expansion continues.

"There is certainly room for her gift. She is so very talented," Wilson continued. "Birthdays, weddings, family reunions and church gatherings are all accented by the presence of artistic foods. Amy Nguyen is a provider of the future celebrations that enrich our lives."

Caldecott Art Contest winners

The Hays Public Library sponsored the Caldecott Art Contest this year and the winners were

Third-grader Judah Rigler from Wilson Elementary
Fourth-grader Martha Miller from O'Loughlin Elementary
Fifth-grader Ripley Mills-Kulmala from Lincoln Elementary
The overall class winner was Stacie Zimmerman's third-grade class from Wilson Elementary.

The overall winning class will receive a set of Caldecott books for their classroom, and the individual winners of each grade will win a doughnut party for their classmates.

Misty Lohmeyer

Misty Lohmeyer, kindergarten teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, was recognized for being a great example of collaborative instruction leader in her school with a Making a Difference Award.

"She works hard to individualize instruction for each of her students all day, every day, all year long," her nomination said.

She is willing to try things never thought of before, modify and diversify instruction as needed, and through everything always keeping a smile on her face. She exemplifies the concept that to be kindergarten ready, the question is not “Are they ready for us?” but “Are we ready for them?”

"To top everything off, this very deserving teacher just received word that she has earned her National Board Certification. We are incredibly proud of Misty and know that with her on our team, our kindergarten kiddos at Roosevelt have the best start possible to their educational journey," her nomination said.

National Board Certified Teachers

Lisa Renz and Kathy Wagoner have both received National Board Certification.

"It’s an extremely rigorous process and a wonderful honor. Wagoner recently renewed this prestigious certification, and Renz just received her initial certification," Wilson said at the school board meeting.

Outgoing board members

Outgoing board member Luke Oborny is given a gift  for his service by USD 489 Board President Mike Walker Monday night at the school board meeting. New school board members will take their seats in January. — Outgoing board member Luke Oborny is given a gift for his service by USD 489 Board President Mike Walker Monday night at the school board meeting. New school board members will take their seats in January.

Outgoing USD 489 school board members, Paul Adams, Mandy Fox, Luke Oborny and Greg Schwartz were honored Monday night.

New school board members Tammy Wellbrock, Craig Pallister, Allen Park and Lori Hertel will take their seats in January.

Wilson said they have freely volunteered their time and talents by spending countless hours meeting, planning, and supporting in order to help fulfill the mission, vision and core values for students and staff of Hays USD 489.

Outgoing board members Paul Adams, left, and Greg Schwartz were also thanked for their service. Outgoing  board member Mandy Fox was not at the meeting Monday night. — Outgoing board members Paul Adams, left, and Greg Schwartz were also thanked for their service. Outgoing board member Mandy Fox was not at the meeting Monday night.

"We would like to take time this evening to thank them and express our sincere gratitude for their years of service. School board service might be the toughest volunteer role that any members of our community might take on, but also very likely one of the most rewarding roles of volunteer service," Wilson said.

"A huge thank you to all of these four for their contributions and tirelessly giving of their time. Your dedication has been very much appreciated."