STC retirees from left to right, Melanie Kemper, Sue Haughey, Charlene Willaby, Chris Murphy and Julie Hagerty, were honored for their many years of service to the school district. Photo by Cyote Williams

On May 27, members from all across the South Tama County Community School District made their way into the high school gymnasium to honor their coworkers.

Working in education can be a thankless job at times, but superintendent Jared Smith made it clear how valuable his staff is both to him and the communities that make up South Tama.

Smith thanked Mary Mixdorf for putting together the program and helping coordinate this event, Randy Denham, the custodial crew of Brenda Youngbear and her team of Michelle Kalinay and Wendy Stull for getting the gym prepared.

Smith also thanked Cyote Williams, Steve Bearden and Stephanie Lane for photographing the award ceremony, and Beth Wiese and Liz Dolezal of the Board of Education for joining.

Employee Service Awards

5 Years: Leticia Babinat, Todd Banes, Natasha Becker, Jennifer Benner, Jennifer Brown, Todd Dale, Danielle Davenport, Zoe Garber, Katie Haughey, James Kesl, Anna Mcbride, Andrea Rutledge, Noah Schmelzer, Shelly Seth, Mahnaz Shojaie, Brittani West

10 Years: Lori Dvorak

15 Years: Jan Bellus, Stacy Moore, Dustin Peska, Dustin Schuett, Donald Weiermann

20 Years: Laurie Baack, Margaret Jesina, Marsha Keahna, Jeff Niedermann, Joy Schirmer, Jorena Vavra

25 Years: Lynette Benda, Trudy Suchanek

30 Years: Denise Crawford, Alice Koch, George Kuhter, Lon Wilkerson

40 Years: Anita Townsley

45 Years: Sue Haughey

Masters Recognition: Sarah Klopping, Crystal Hass, Lori Dvorak

STC Retirees Honored: Chris Murphy, M.S Library Associate. 1995-2022; Julie Hagerty, H.S Activities Secretary. 1994-2022; Charlene Willaby, M.S Food Service. 2006-2022; Melanie Kemper, Elementary Guidance. 1991-2022; Sue Haughey, Secretary to the Business Manager / Account Payable. 1977-2022.