MISD Leader Awards are given annually by the Foundation to recognize District staff who go above and beyond for their students, colleagues, and the community. Staff are nominated and voted for by their peers to receive this award.
“All staff in this school district work incredibly hard, and more than that, they care. This is one small way we can recognize the best of the best and show them our appreciation.” Erin Steffen, Foundation Director.
This year after many heartwarming nominations, MISD staff voted and three people were recognized with 2022 MISD Leader Awards. The recipients are Sonya Flatland, Sherryl Paige and Rebecca VonBehren.
Sonya Flatland serves as Supervising Teacher/HS Coordinator at Marion Home School Assistance Program. Retiring at the end of the school year, in her nomination a colleague shared, “Sonya did so much for MHSAP over the years. She always did such a great job on the plays that we give at MHSAP, and she set up our whole high school program and has done a great job helping students take classes at MHS, Kirkwood, and Linn Area Regional Center.” She was recognized at a meeting for MHSAP staff and was surprised by her husband and son as she received her award. In an email after the event she shared with our staff, “I could not imagine working anywhere else other than for the Marion district. It is truly the best district and also the homeschool is an amazing program…I have truly been blessed.”
Sherryl Paige holds many titles including Language Arts Teacher, Head Girls Track Coach, Assistant 8th Grade Volleyball Coach and Assistant 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach. A portion of her nomination read, “She has devoted her entire career to being a great role model for young women and young men in her role as a teacher at Marion High School. She is a coach, advocate, mentor, professor, as well as an exceptional coworker.” Sherryl’s announcement was given over the intercom and then students and staff lined the halls giving high-fives and cheers as she made her way through the high school.
Rebecca VonBehren is the Reading Strategist at Starry Elementary. She received nominations from five of her peers. Included in her nomination, “Rebecca goes above and beyond in everything she does to not only support our students but also our staff. She is always well prepared and organized for our meetings to present the data and assist us in any way possible. Rebecca does whatever she can to make sure our students are being successful. She truly wants to make a difference and is always putting students and staff before herself…We feel it is her time to be recognized for all that she does for Starry as she never expects anything in return.” Another peer shared, “Rebecca is always on the move, making sure staff and students are taken care of….Her organizational approach to leadership encourages and supports teachers in delivering optimal reading instruction!” Rebecca’s announcement was at an all-school assembly at Starry Elementary. Her husband, Kyle, and her fellow reading strategists from Longfellow and FMI were also in attendance.