Bainbridge Island School District recently awarded 10 winners of the BISD STRONG Award for Winter 2022.

The award is given to those who honor the district’s guiding principle of Strong Minds, Strong Hearts and contribute to a Strong Community.

• Erin Sheehan, Blakely 1st grade teacher: She is a staff leader, always volunteering to take on tough jobs that make a difference in our school and community.

She is a resource to parents, students and co-workers. We all seek her expertise and judgment. She reflects constantly on her teaching and the changing world and researches resources to inspire others to do the same.

• Meg Evans, Ordway special education: She has a strong heart because she deeply cares about her work with the children and really sees the child for who they are as individuals.

She helps create strong minds because she supports the children she works with to achieve successful goals and builds their belief in the ability to do challenging things.

• Lauren Melvin, Ordway 3rd grade teacher: She cares deeply for all her students. She strives to meet their individual needs.

Her follow-through with suggested strategies is phenomenal. She genuinely cares that her students do well and that they each have every opportunity to succeed.

• Amy Hart, Woodward 8th grade student: Amy is strong and resilient and supportive of peers and the Woodward community.

She comes to school every day happy to be there interacting with friends and staff. She has been a great Office TA. She greets students and staff enthusiastically. She has strong leadership skills.

• Averie de Guzman: Woodward 8th grader: Averie is a consistent force of good at Woodward. She goes above and beyond her role in our ASB to make sure that every need at Woodward is covered.

Whether a teacher needs help making copies, or a student needs a chaperone to the office when they are not feeling well, if she senses someone needs a pick-me-up note, she is the queen of organization and checking those boxes that keep our ship afloat.

• Dani Stoehr, Woodward building technology support: She is an excellent technology leader, always willing to help staff during a crisis or in a long-term project.

She will run to our rescue for the smallest question or the biggest project. She will answer our pleas for help in the evening and even on weekends.

• Emily Saling, Wilkes 2nd grade teacher: She takes time to connect and love her students. She works with them individually and meets them where they need it the most.

She displays professionalism, passion, hard work and knowledge as an educator. She has built a strong community in her classroom.

• Kyung Sook Cho, Bainbridge High food service: She has demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to serving students and supporting colleagues. She has volunteered to come in early/stay late nearly every day.

She always interacts with students in a helpful, sincere manner, ensuring they have a positive interaction at lunchtime.

• Kelly Spitz, district office: His upbeat and positive attitude is contagious. He is a wonderful teammate and friend. He is quick to ask, “How can I help?” and always follows through on tasks.

He always goes above and beyond to provide exemplary customer service. He treats every person who walks through the door or is employed by us equally.

• Jenny Foxtater, district transportation: She sets the tone for the day for students and within minutes of her bus ride, she tries to make it a positive one.

One student said: “The morning bus ride with Jenny makes me feel relaxed and ready for the day ahead. I hope she is always my bus driver until I graduate.”