Fifty teachers and staff members in the Perry Community School District were recognized Wednesday morning for reaching incremental milestones in their years of service to the children of the Perry area, and another five employees retired from service to the district.
One worker received special accolades for service excellence: Anne Horgen, guidance counselor at the Perry High School and a 19-year veteran of the PCSD, was awarded the Perry Rotary Club Educator of the Year for 2021-2022.
Horgen began her service to the Perry Community School District in 2003 as a social science teacher in the Perry Middle School and moved to the Perry High School in 2010 to serve as a counselor.
In presenting the award the Rotary Club praised Horgen, saying, “Her work ethic is beyond compare, dedicating whatever time is necessary to complete tasks effectively and efficiently. She is innovative in her approach to work, continually looking for ways to improve processes in an effort to allow more time for supporting students. Mrs. Horgen does not shy away from challenges, in fact, she embraces them. She makes those around her want to get better and is the first to recognize others for their contributions. Her humility makes her approachable and easy to work with. Students enjoy working with Mrs. Horgen and are confident she will assist with whatever needs they may have. Professionalism and personal integrity come easy to Mrs. Horgen and our district is better because of her. She is more than deserving of the Rotary award for 2022.”
Prior to the awards assembly, the district employees enjoyed a continental breakfast in the PHS commons. PCSD Superintendent of Schools Clark Wicks moderated the assembly, with assistance from PCSD Executive Assistant Joyce Scott and Perry School Board President Linda Andorf, who distributed the awards.
Reaching the five-year milestone were Shawna Balboa, Kayla Brown, Juanita Burton, Trista Cohea, Zachary Cole, Maria Corado, Wendy Goodale, Michele Hadley, Chris Hinds, Ryan Marzen, Steve McPherson, Kimberlie Meyers, Ruth Myers, Bryan Scheve, Brad Snowgren, Santa Soriano, Stacey Walton, Clark Wicks and Laura Wulf.
Ten-year employees of the district were Nancy Abbott, Lisa Barkley, Ben Coy, Emily Grimm, Jerry Lambert, Michelle Laughridge, Timothy Maylum, Amanda Myers, Kathy Pantzar, Alicia Pineda, Tyler Richmond, Cindy Thompson and Ralph Walker.
Thanked for 15 years of service were Crystal Andrews, Margarita Cuacuamoxtla, Elizabeth Elliott, Jeffrey Fox, Jeffrey Hayes, Denise Heinz, Alfanid Hernandez, Cherri Johnson, Heidi Love, Elizabeth Marburger, Karen Sackett and Lori Schoenauer-Hewlett.
The 20-year mark was reached by Sherre Edmondson and Joyce Hegstrom.
Twenty-five-year employees thanked Wednesday were Sherre Edmondson, Joyce Hegstrom and Tamara Valline, and reaching the 35-year goal was Nancy Iben.
In addition, five district employees are retiring at the end of the present term. Thanks for dedicated service was extended to Shelly Thompson for her 16 years of service, Kimberly Taylor for 18 years of service, Ruth Myers for five years of service, Denise Heinz for 15.5 years of service and Holly Daniels for 22 years of service.
