Fox Cities News

The Oshkosh Area School District recently announced its Employees of the Year for 2024-2025. The selected individuals were informed through surprise visits, highlighting those who have demonstrated notable dedication and leadership within the district.

The Employee of the Year recognition program has been ongoing for over a decade and acknowledges staff members excelling across various roles. The selection process involved 211 nominations, with input from previous awardees. A dedicated committee evaluated the nominations to make the final decision.

The honorees for this year include Kristina Cartwright, an ESOL teacher, and Calista Schmidt, a Grade 3 teacher, both from Read Elementary School, recognized in the elementary category. Denise Ahlers and Anthony Heffron, who are both from Vel Phillips Middle School, were celebrated in the secondary category.

Support staff honorees are Wendy Mendez, an interpreter at Vel Phillips Middle School, and Kylene Schrage, a school secretary at Lakeside Elementary School. Acelyn Zierke, a Grade 1 teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, was recognized as the First-Year Teacher of the Year, while Amanda Patza, principal at Vel Phillips Middle School, received the Administrator of the Year award.

Further details about these honored employees will be presented at the OASD Board of Education Meeting on April 23. The district acknowledges the dedication of these educators and staff members in making significant contributions to their schools and the community.