Baldwin named school district 2023-24 Outstanding Support Staff Award recipient

By Chris Spangler

Described as a role model for both staff and students, Mary Baldwin is the recipient of the School District of Fort Atkinson’s 2023-24 Outstanding Support Staff Award.

Baldwin, a custodian at Purdy Elementary School, was recognized Wednesday during the district’s fall convocation at Fort Atkinson High School.

“This year’s recipient received multiple nominations noting an outstanding work ethic, positive attitude and deep dedication,” district Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Lisa Hollenberger said in presenting the award. “This person is described as a role model for staff and students alike. She is responsive, conscientious and committed to making sure everybody has a positive day.”

She shared remarks from one of Baldwin’s nominators: “Mary is a positive employee who always goes the extra mile for staff, families, students and community members. She is prepared, organized and never misses a deadline or event. She is always willing to be called o help with all of the extra events at Purdy and has never hesitated to respond with ‘How can I help?’ Mary takes pride in our district and emulates our 1Fort mission and vision in everything she does.”

Hollenberger noted that all of the nominees cited the great amount of pride Baldwin takes in doing her job … and doing it well.

“However, it’s a selfless pride, because she knows that by doing her job well, it means  everyone else’s day will be that much better,” she said.

“This year’s recipient goes above and beyond in every aspect of her job without hesitation,” she added. The dedication that this person shows is driven from a sense of doing more than just a job; she is taking care of a family. It is my absolute honor to present this year’s Outstanding Support Staff Award to Mary Baldwin.”

Hollenberger noted that Baldwin was one of 31 nominees, representing every department and building in the school district, for the honor.

“Additionally, of those 31 people who were nominated for this year’s award, 11 received multiple nominations. This truly highlights the enormously important role that support staff have in every aspect of our district,” she said.

“The multitude of nomination letters received this year paint the portrait of people who are more than their title suggests, people who are dedicated to the work they do because of the students, families and staff that they get to work with,” Hollenberger continued. “The letters describe passion, energy and enthusiasm that inspire everyone to be better and do more.”

She said that the nominees were described as glue, pillars and mentors, each supporting in their own way with their own specific set of skills and talents.

In addition to Baldwin, the nominees included: Katy Anfang-Kruizengam, cook, Luther Elementary School; Barb Athas, paraprofessional, Barrie Elementary School; Kimberly Baker, cook, Fort Atkinson Middle School; Ashley Barr, paraprofessional, Barrie; Cynthia Beckman, special education aide, Rockwell Elementary School; Kim Brock, administrative assistant for Attendance, high school; Taylor Cassidy, special education aide, high school; Lacy Edwards, IMC/technology aide, middle school; and Ruth Gavin, paraprofessional, Purdy.

Also, Laurie Gilson, administrative assistant for Student Services, high school; Achsah Henson, special education aide, Luther; Lora Jung, special education aide, Luther; Rhonda Klingman, paraprofessional, middle school; Nancy Leisgang, administrative assistant for Gifted and Talented, middle school; Jami Miller, head custodian, Rockwell; Christine Nichols, administrative assistant for Pupil Services, district office; Christina Oswald, director of Food Services, School District of Fort Atkinson; Barry Pagel, custodian, middle school; Peggy Polk, administrative assistant for Student Services, middle school; and Deb Reiterate, special education aide, middle school.

And, Annie Sawyer, paraprofessional, Barrie; Molley Sawyer, paraprofessional, Barrie; Tonya Schultz, special education aide, middle school; Marilyn Smith, paraprofessional, Luther; Andrea Stewart, IMC/technology Aide, Luther; Kellie Todd, paraprofessional, Rockwell; Beth Trieloff, special education aide, high school; Karen Ulrich, special education aide, high school; Jen Vogel, paraprofessional, Luther; and Ashley Wendt, paraprofessional, Luther.