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Ray-Pec Community,
Just before spring break, we celebrated our finalists for 2024 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year at a fantastic event at the High School.
Monica Crabtree was selected as the 2024 Ray-Pec Teacher of the Year, and Colleen Warchola was selected as the 2024 Support Staff Employee of the Year.
Monica teaches 5th grade science and social studies at Peculiar Elementary. She has been in this position for seven years, and has worked in the district for nine years. Before teaching 5th grade, she taught 2nd grade for two years.
She graduated from Belton High School in 2010 and attended college at Missouri Western. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri Western State University. In 2018, she received her master’s degree in administration from William Woods University.
Colleen is the Kitchen Manager at Timber Creek Elementary. She has worked for the District since 2011. She worked in the kitchens at East Middle School and Eagle Glen before becoming the manager at Timber Creek. She is an active participant in the School Nutrition Association. Before coming to Ray-Pec, she worked as a quality repair technician for Canyon Creek Cabinet Company for seven years. Earlier she worked as a substitute educational assistant in the Monroe School District and helped with disabled students in the Edmonds School District.
As winners, each received a $500 cash award from Country Club Bank and the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation, a desk award, and banners for their school. Their photos will be displayed at the Administrative Services Center. In addition, Monica will be nominated as the District's candidate for regional teacher of the year in the Missouri Teacher of the Year selection process. Monica, Colleen, and all of the finalists received a plaque and items donated by local businesses.
Both honorees are incredibly well-deserving and were selected from a very strong pool of finalists. The other Teacher of the Year finalists were:
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Jenni Beck, Raymore Elementary
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Jenny Bowman, South Middle School
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Kevin Crean, High School
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Rebecca Dobson, Raymore Elementary
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Gina Garrison, Bridle Ridge Elementary
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Peggy Miller, Timber Creek Elementary
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Jennifer Ramirez, Ray-Pec Academy
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Jennifer Talley, High School
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Kelli Yahnig, Eagle Glen Elementary
The other Support Staff Employee of the Year finalists were:
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Renee Anthuis, Raymore Elementary
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Matt Caston, Technology Department
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Amy Harrell, High School
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Amy Kaye, Stonegate Elementary
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Amber Sutton, Stonegate Elementary
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Melissa Tabor, Bridle Ridge Elementary
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Natalie Thomas, South Middle School and Ninth Grade Center
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Penny Wilson, Creekmoor Elementary
These 19 Ray-Pec Teachers and Staff members represent the best of what makes the Ray-Pec School District a great place for students to learn and grow. As we approach Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week from May 6 to 10, I invite you to join me in thanking those who have been instrumental in your child’s education this year. We have so many things to be thankful for, especially our incredible teachers and support staff members in every role in this district.
Thank you for entrusting your children to the Ray-Pec School District.
Mike
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