Press release:

On Wednesday, April 26 Bend-La Pine Schools honored 67 staff members as Excellence in Education award winners for making a difference in the lives of students.

"Every year, I am humbled as I listen to stories of how our teachers and support staff go the extra mile to help our students and schools,” said Superintendent Shay Mikalson. “This is one of my favorite events of the year because it recognizes the excellence, dedication and inspiring work of our staff.”

The winning staff members will be considered for Bend-La Pine Schools’ teacher and support staff person of the year awards, announced in August.

Staff members honored for their outstanding contributions are:

• Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson School: Elizabeth (Beth) Neumann
• Bear Creek Elementary School: Kinsey Martin and Carol Evans
• Bend Senior High School: Dave Williams and Susan Kirkpatrick
• Buckingham Elementary School: Sydney Murphy and Jenni LaCombe
• Cascade Middle School: Kendra Jerome and Sandy Schmidt
• Distribution Center: Regina Emerson
• Elk Meadow Elementary School: Melinda Brown and Lisa McGee
• Ensworth Elementary School: Joe Green
• High Desert Middle School: Stephanie Morrison and Kindra Maestas
• High Lakes Elementary School: Tom Scott and Nancy Stuart
• Highland Magnet at Kenwood School: Marina Reisinger and Debra (Debbie) Rychard
• Juniper Elementary School: Chris Bagley and Bobbe Crain
• Information Technology: Vince Valenti
• La Pine Elementary School: Cari Fike and Liz McPike
• La Pine High School: Lindsey Spring and Dave Mason
• La Pine Middle School: Deb Stumpf and Stacy Welsh
• Lava Ridge Elementary School: Rachel Schendel and Debi Maudlin
• Maintenance Department: Mark Bessey
• Marshall High School: Andrew Sawyer and Drew Erickson
• Mountain View High School: Carrie Erickson and Joi Leahy
• Nutrition Services Department: Tracie Gleffe, Florence Cheney, Kayla Ruvalcaba and Robbye Purves
• Pacific Crest Middle School: Jenny Brown and Rob Johnson
• Pilot Butte Middle School: Amy Brunner and Raquel Hernandez
• Pine Ridge Elementary School: Rebecca Daenzer and Jennifer (Jenn) Reuter
• Ponderosa Elementary School: Kari Sue and Steve Kelly
• REALMS: Karen Holm and Eli Seemann
• R.E. Jewell Elementary School: Anna Schmitt and Marie Hackbarth
• Rosland Elementary School: Angie Dixson and Nicole Brazier
• Silver Rail Elementary School: Kelly Cloud and Maria Buagas
• Sky View Middle School: Nicole Henry and Deedee Reeser
• Summit High School: Dan Judd and Kay Duncan
• Three Rivers School: Kacie Pitner and Leslie Orlich
• Transportation Department: Kimberly Mercer (Bend), Russ King (La Pine)
• Westside Village Magnet at Kingston School: Patrick Bluhm and Kelly Holliday
• William E. Miller Elementary School: Holly Reynolds and Glen Carey