<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3PMnhQ_0uwr4Qw700" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PMnhQ_0uwr4Qw700" width="650" height="432" ><figcaption>Ron Stoneman (left), Manistee Area Public Schools superintendent, gives the Golden Apple award to retiree Kevin Postma Aug. 12, 2024 during a regular board meeting. (Kyle Kotecki/News Advocate) </figcaption></figure> MANISTEE — <a href="https://www.manisteemariners.org/" rel="nofollow"> Manistee Area Public Schools' </a> recent retirees were honored Monday during a Golden Apple ceremony at the district's regular meeting. Superintendent Ron Stoneman said he was appreciative of everything the group had done for MAPS. "What they've offered our district over a long period of time is just amazing," he said. "I just want to first say thank you for all that you've done for our district." Kathy Smith had been a teacher with the district for 29 years and also coached athletics. "(She was a) really inspiring soccer coach," Stoneman said. "We really appreciate the time that you put in — the kids definitely benefited." Stacey Andrews-Ramsey spent 27 years with the district, teaching Spanish, history, civics and other courses. She also served as the high school and middle school Youth in Government adviser. "Your work in YIG —&nbsp;amazing. ... I was glad I was able to <a href="https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/manistee-students-travel-lansing-youth-government-18532765.php" rel="nofollow"> come down and witness that and be a part of that </a> — that was very special," Stoneman said. "... Also, it was a real pleasure collaborating with you as union president. Thank you for that work. It's thankless and you did a great job." <a href="https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/christmas-season-spreading-joy-kris-johnson-18557116.php" rel="nofollow"> Kris Johnson </a> worked for MAPS as a special education teacher for 26 years — 16 years at the middle school level and 10 at the high school level. "Every day this last year I've been watching you and your students and you're just doing amazing things," Stoneman said. "We're going to miss you." Kevin Postma taught science at MAPS for 23 years after starting his career in Mississippi. "(He was) inspiring to students in science," Stoneman said. "The amount of students that leave us and&nbsp;for their next journey&nbsp;have taken on science as their major, their work and their&nbsp;passion is amazing, and you contributed to that. Thank you for that." Postma said teaching was "such a worthwhile career." "Every time I come into the building since I left I'm just sad that I won't be starting out the school year this year," he said. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2QdeW2_0uwr4Qw700" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2QdeW2_0uwr4Qw700" width="650" height="432" ><figcaption>Ron Stoneman (left), Manistee Area Public Schools superintendent, gives the Golden Apple award to retiree Nancy Day Aug. 12, 2024 during a regular board meeting. (Kyle Kotecki/News Advocate) </figcaption></figure> Nancy Day, who <a href="https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/valued-employee-retires-manistee-area-public-18610979.php" rel="nofollow"> retired as central office administrative assistant in January </a> , originally came to the district in March of 2013. "Your work and&nbsp;your attitude and whoever walked through that door, what you provided and presented represented the district extremely well. And people remembered it and favored you for that," Stoneman said. "... And thanks for supporting me as a new superintendent of the district. We had the opportunity to do some great things and you were certainly behind anything that was done well, so thank you." Kenn Kott wore a number of hats for MAPS, <a href="https://www.manisteenews.com/sports/article/Kenn-Kott-is-back-as-Manistee-athletic-director-17327450.php" rel="nofollow"> most recently serving as athletic director. </a> "I know I've given you probably 11 assignments while I've been here, and I appreciate and value that you accepted everything that I threw at you, so thank you," Stoneman said. "... And for announcing everything from our graduations to everything else. It's awesome." Kott said he enjoyed his time working with his fellow recent retirees. "Looking at the names on this list, if this was a team, it's a pretty good team," he said. Keri Carlson retired as the nutrition services director after 32.5 years with the district. "You're amazing. I don't know what else to say," Stoneman said. "What you've provided our community, our staff, our kids and seniors is just amazing. Where you brought us, I never imagined us going there. ... Thank you so much." Retirees who were absent from the ceremony were Wendy Adamski, Andrea Mack, <a href="https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/nowicki-replace-retiring-huber-mmhs-principal-19518849.php" rel="nofollow"> Andy Huber </a> , Paul Howes, <a href="https://www.manisteenews.com/insider/article/Carol-Hansen-Dedicated-to-helping-others-15814844.php" rel="nofollow"> Carol Hansen </a> and <a href="https://www.manisteenews.com/sports/article/manistee-swimming-coach-corey-van-fleet-retires-19594127.php" rel="nofollow"> Corey Van Fleet </a> . </div></body>

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Manistee Area Public Schools honors retirees with Golden Apple award

\"What they've offered our district over a long period of time is just amazing.\"

"What they've offered our district over a long period of time is just amazing."