At the heart of what we love about our schools here in Mason are hard-working teachers and staff who regularly go the extra mile for our kids. This award is given annually to Mason teachers who exemplify the values of the Mason Schools Foundation by taking students “Above and Beyond”.
Each spring, MSF solicits nominations from the community and students for teachers that take their students above and beyond everyday. Then the MSF board has the hard task of selecting annual winners among the many deserving candidates Each Above and Beyond Teacher receives a $200 grant to use in their classroom and is an honored guest at the Gala in the fall.
Process:
In the spring of each school year the Foundation will solicit nominations from the community for the award. Community members use this form to describe how this teacher takes his/her students “Above and Beyond” and return it to the Mason Schools Foundation.
- The Mason Schools Foundation will select the recipients at the May board meeting.
- Grants will be awarded during the Staff Appreciation event at the end of the year.
- Funding will be available at the beginning of the following school year.
- Recipients will be asked to submit a grant report form to the Grant committee indicating how he/she used the funds to benefit our Mason students.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who submitted a teacher for the Above & Beyond teacher awards for this year! Submissions are now closed. We are excited to announce our selections!
Above & Beyond Teacher Award Winners
VANCE REID
Secondary Teacher of the Year
MHS History Teacher and Wrestling Coach Vance Reid is the Secondary Above and Beyond teacher of the year. This year Mr. Ried’s nominations came from several former students (now in college) who reflected on his ongoing impact and important personal investment he makes in his students. He’s a terrific example of a teacher connecting and making a true difference.
Mr. Reid is 1000% invested in not only his students, but all Mason students and he shows that every single day without fail. Mr. Reid finds a way to make each and everyone of his students feel they matter and are important. Mr. Reid not only cares deeply about our children’s education, but for their emotional and overall well being. His caring and positive nature is contagious. – Wendy Vance
MONICA JOHNSTON
Elementary Teacher of the Year
MECC’s second grade Monica Johnston was selected as the MSF Above and Beyond Elementary Teacher of the Year. Her nominations highlight her creative problem solving with students, her kindness initiatives and thoughtful engagement within the school community.
The playground project is a wonderful example of project based learning led by students and facilitated by their caring teacher who exemplifies kindness in everything she does. I would love to see Mrs. Johnston win this award and be given grant money so she can continue her commitment to helping kids be difference makers and the best Comet Kids in town! – Amanda Smith
2019
Vance Reid – MHS
Monica Johnston – MECC
2018
Libby Beck – WR
Alissa Mahoney – MI
Laura Tonkin – MMS
Carol Lehman – MHS
2017
Micah Ewing – MHS
Christine Yoda – MI
2016
BJ Smallwood – MECC
Lazuta/Hillenmeyer Team – WR
Dee Dee Messer – MHS
Aimee Hansen – MHS
Lauren Richardson – MMS
2015
Kelly Gholz – WR
Amy Ortega – MHS
2014
Team Patriots- MI (Tereba, Grable, DeVore)
MMS Chorus—Debra Jones and Holly Schreier
2013
Sarah Flohr—MECC
Anne Tohey—MHS
2012
Mike Williams-WR
Susan Hannigan and Pam Tanghal-MMS
2011
Ali Green -WR
2010
Marylee Vennemeyer—WR
Jill Arminio—MMS
Original Above and Beyond Teacher
Deb Perry—MHS