These examples are probably the easy parts of Morgan's job as she has responsibilities and roles that are far more difficult. I don't know what I would have done without Morgan this year. Parenting isn't easy. And you never know if you're doing it right.”

Katie Hatlestad, OWEL Reading Specialist

The Owen-Withee School District held its annual end of the year staff recognition luncheon on May 24. A potluck featuring Arby’s roast beef sandwiches was served after the students had departed on their last day of school.

After all had plenty to eat, Superintendent Scott Winch emceed a short staff recognition program. Acknowledged for years of service: Alicia Wilson, 3rd grade teacher, 15 years; Randi Rondorf, SPED teacher, 10 years; Eric Mann, 4th grade teacher, 5 years and Cindy Schwab, SPED teacher, 5 years.

Stacy Rasmussen was chosen Support Staff Person of the Year. She was nominated by Debbie Bredlau and Susan Beck for her dedication to her work starting 14 years ago as the Elementary School IMC assistant and then she transitioned to district bookkeeper/human resources. She makes sure employees are properly certified and offers training sessions when necessary. Overall, she keeps the business end of the school district running smoothly.

Katie Hatlestad announced that the 6-12 Teacher of the Year was Morgan Mueller. She spoke of how Morgan has helped her children navigate through their sometimes stressful high school years and helped applying for college. “My children are comfortable going to Morgan apparently day or night (referring to how her son texted Morgan on a Sunday night) because she is easy to talk to, has many of the answers and understands that a school counselor’s job isn't always during school hours,” said Hatlestad tearfully. “These examples are probably the easy parts of Morgan's job as she has responsibilities and roles that are far more difficult. I don't know what I would have done without Morgan this year. Parenting isn't easy. And you never know if you're doing it right. Morgan is not only a great advocate for students, but also an excellent resource for parents. I appreciate all the help she gave my family this year as we navigate in new situations. Thank you, Morgan.”

Alicia Wilson nominated Kindergarten teacher Jona Hatlestad as the Elementary Teacher of the Year. Wilson said she knew Jona for over 15 years, which began when she was her cooperating teacher while she student taught in Owen-Withee. She realized back then she was a good mentor and a fine example of what a good teacher looks like.

“When I was hired full time, 15 years ago, Jona and I stayed great friends. I watched her teach and coach many different students. I also watched her raise two beautiful daughters,” said Wilson. “During her years of teaching, she has had many challenging students, but she always found a way to reach out to them. I've had the privilege of having both of my daughters sent to Jona as their kindergarten teacher. I requested her because I knew what kind of teacher she is and what her expectations are for her students. Both my girls loved having Jona as a teacher. She's kind and patient with the students and makes them all feel welcome in her classroom. Jona has gone through some really tough times in her life, but she has always found a way to rise above it and do her job. She has been an outstanding teacher, coach and person in the elementary and in the community.”

A special Support Staff award was given posthumously to Lisa Scheuneman who passed away on August 10, 2023. Russ Weiler spoke from the heart about this dearly departed and sadly missed elementary school paraprofessional. He said he has only nominated a few people over the years, and this may have meant the most to him.

“When she walked in the room, students loved that she was there,” Weiler began. “They truly loved Miss Lisa and cared for her. When I would watch her in the elementary lunchroom…it was something special. Students would gather around her and loved talking to her about their day, and about her day. She taught them life lessons that were so important each and every day. She gave them advice and held them accountable. And yes, she would check back with them to see if they were using her advice. Miss Lisa, as they called her and still do, did things the right way - no free passes for kids. She was tough when it was time to be tough and to get to work but she also knew when it was time for a caring hug, a pat on the back or lighthearted joke to relieve the stress. She had a very humble, no ego, just a no-nonsense approach when it came to her work. She loved kids. I wish we could have cloned her as she was one of the strongest ladies that I've ever worked with, and she was honestly an inspiration to me and the kids that she worked with.”

After this kind tribute to Miss Lisa, a plaque was presented to her daughters who live in the area, Paige Hamm, Angela Petke, Megan Hallin and Amanda Kroll.

In closing, Principal Van Ark shared a humorous and heartfelt farewell to Superintendent Scott Winch as he will be retiring for the second time, the first was from the Stratford School District. He responded with a simple thank you as he said he is a man of few words, “Thank you. It's been a pleasure working here. I don't have much else to say, I don't really say much anyhow, so I want to get you guys out to enjoy your summer and your golf and everything else and I'll try to do the same.”