Central Lee hands out annual staff awards

Schau named Teacher of the Year

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DONNELLSON, IOWA — Five teachers and staff from the Central Lee Community School District have received honors for the 2022-23 school year.
Each year, the district recognizes staff members who surpass expectations for serving students and families, presenting the awards at an end-of-the-year celebration and banquet.
This year's Teacher of the Year recipient is Justin Schau, Industrial Technology Teacher at Central Lee High School. Schau is well-known for his no-nonsense approach to teaching and for his work building a top-tier technology program at the high school.
“Justin provides real-life, hands-on experiences for our students, and ventures well above and beyond the expectations set for a high school teacher to ensure his students find successful outcomes,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Central Lee Superintendent. “He is respected and adored by his students, is irreplaceable within our high school industrial technology program, and has created a gold standard for teaching for others to emulate.”
Middle School Associate Andrea Westfall has received the Employee of the Year award. She was recognized for her contributions to the learning environment within the classrooms she serves.
“During monthly action team meetings, Andrea is an active participant and brings great ideas for middle school students’ leadership roles,” said Kim Ensminger, Middle School Principal and Director of Transportation for the district. “She is consistently focused on serving students and their needs.” 
The 2022-23 Bus Driver of the Year is Rodney Tweedy. Rodney, who will step away from bus driving after this school year, is well-known for being meticulous and having one of the cleanest buses in the fleet. 
“Rodney is loved by his students,” said Ensminger. “He’s one of the quietest drivers we have, but he models the skills and behaviors we desire for everyone.”
Amy Fraise, Computer Science Teacher at both the middle school and high school, has been named Newcomer of the Year for her work building the new computer science program.
“Amy is already looking into the future to find ways to expand the program, add to the course list, and create more opportunities for students,” said Nicole Herdrich, CLHS Principal. “She puts in long hours, travels with the robotics team, and has been an outstanding addition to our Central Lee family.”
Finally, the Chris Gray Award, created during the 2021-22 school year to honor Central Lee’s former facilities director, was presented to Nadine Weirather, Talented & Gifted and Extending Learning Program Coordinator, for her 39 years of service.
“This award reflects Nadine’s dedication and loyalty to Central Lee’s students, staff, families, and community members,” said Crozier. “We are grateful for the work she puts in to create opportunities for and support the success of our students.”
Over the coming days, Central Lee will be celebrating these award recipients via social media.
Central Lee, staff, teachers, honors, awards, 2023, Teacher of the Year, Chris Gray Award, Pen City Current, news, education,

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