Perry's Meinecke receives Rotary Teacher Award, staff members receive years of service awards

The Perry Community School District presented 53 staff members with years of service awards on Wednesday, May 22. The district also recognized five retiring staff members.

Kevin Vidergar presented the Rotary Teacher of the Year Award to Lori Meinecke. Before presenting the award, Vidergar said Meinecke "has been an exceptional educator in our district, particularly within the health/physical education department" for the past 25 years.

"Her unwavering dedication, remarkable teaching abilities, and outstanding support for her students and colleagues truly set her apart," he added. "This teacher embodies the qualities of an exemplary educator: dedication, passion, resilience, and leadership. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of students, colleagues, and the entire school community."

Superintendent Clark Wicks also recognized Perry High School's math PLC (Professional Learning Community) group on May 22.

The following is a full list of the service and retirement awards:

5 Years

• Ryan Burger
• Mari Butler Abry
• Layce Chicoine
• Michael Craig
• Emelie Cross
• Madison Gay
• Veronica Gilreath
• Kenneth Hegwood
• Jeffrey Hidlebaugh
• Jennifer Kempf
• Holly Killmer
• Alicia Klinehart
• Amanda McDivitt
• Felicia Moe
• Aurora Rodriguez
• Joshua Sass
• Mackenzie Simpson
• Broc Sorensen
• Meladee Steele
• Erica Stevenson
• Don Thomas
• Brandi Valdez
• Katelyn Whelchel
• Tessa Whitney

10 Years

• Shaylena Bell
• Joy Berg
• Lyndsey Buhrman
• Jacob Enderton
• Brienna Hayes
• Jordan Lohman
• Megan Maylum
• Denise Mitchell
• Randy Peterson
• Devin Schroeder
• Amy Skinner

15 Years

• Brennan Cleveland
• Kristie Davis
• Michelle Hager
• Teresa Kresse
• Corey Myers
• Lena Pavlica

20 Years

• Luz Angelica Diaz-Cardenas
• Andrew Hoyt
• Sara Iben
• Carla Wood

25 Years

• Robert Hidlebaugh
• Dawn Higgins
• Lori Meinecke
• Cynthia Miner
• Melissa Raskie
• Roxanne Whitmore

30 Years

• Klista Meis
• Lisa Schumacher

Retirees

Kristine Finn — 34 years, High School Special Education Instructor

Diane Gibson — 29 years, High School Social Studies Teacher

Jamison Blum — 28.5 years, High School Spanish Teacher

Leslie Mayhugh — 23 years, Elementary Art Teacher

Joel Happel — 19 years, High School Math Teacher