Havre Public Schools Pride celebration highlights top support staff, teacher
By Tim Leeds
Gary Ranes of the custodial department and Lincoln-McKinley fifth-grade teacher Marilyn Granell were honored as classified employee of the year and teacher of the year at the Havre Public Schools Pride celebration last night.
Debbie Kirby, last year's teacher or the year, introduced Granell. She quoted Granell's application in her introduction, saying an outstanding teacher is more than an excellent instructor, but also someone who is kind and caring and provides a positive role model, helping create people who will contribute positively to society.
"It is a privilege to work in the education field," she said.
Kirby said she thinks the Havre Public Schools deserve some credit for recognizing its employees.
"Not every school system in the state does that," she said.
Rose Cloninger, head of the custodial department and last year's classified employee of the year, introduced Ranes after the list of nominees was announced by HPS Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Heberly. Cloninger said that in order to make the schools run smoothly, "it takes many people working together harmoniously. You are all a part of that team."
Ranes had a family emergency last night and couldn't attend the celebration, so Ric Floren, HPS director of operations accepted for him.
The other nominees for classified staff of the year were Barbara Darrah of the clerical staff, Russ Earl of the transportation department and Pat Tilleman of the food service staff.
The ceremony began with refreshments served by the Havre High School Cheerleaders at 6:30 p.m. in the Havre High School cafeteria.
At 7 p.m., Superintendent Kirk Miller introduced Heberly, who was the master of ceremonies for the event. Heberly began by introducing the board members at the event, thanking the members of the employee recognition committee, the custodial staff for setting up the ceremony, the people who made the desserts served, and then introduced the winners of the tenure awards.
There were five staff members awarded 30 year pride awards last night, Connie Peterson, Jima Severson, Gary Staudinger, Sandra Staudinger and Karen Swenson.
Greg Dolven, Doug Larson and Dorothy Peschon received 25 year awards, and Dave Barta, Kim Kirby, Linda Lanning, Jim Magera, Frank Payn and Zella Witter received 20 year awards.
Ric Floren, Dona Keeler, Linda Kiemele and Judy Wolfe were given 15 year awards, and Molly Baltrusch, John Barnhorst, Rich Brown, Marie Deegan, Don Holden, Eva McElmurry, Toni McKittrick and Pat Tilleman received 10 year awards.
Five year awards were given to Cathie Bradbury, Rose Cloninger, Gary Couch, Debbie Kallenberger, Todd Peterson, Linda Wallace, Sandra Wilson and Pati Zorko.
