STE. GENEVIEVE — On Friday, May 13, Ste. Genevieve R-II School District held its 32nd Retirement and Recognition Banquet at the Ste. Genevieve Elks Lodge, an event honoring retirees and celebrating our staff members for their outstanding service for our students and our community.
A moment of silence was held to honor and remember Ste. Genevieve R-II family members who have recently passed away:
Bethany Bequette, Elementary Teacher, employed from 2020-2021
Barbara Billington, Nurse, employed from 1983-1995
Judy Hale, Music Teacher, employed from 1997-2005
Wilburn (Joe) Madison, Custodian, employed from 1995-2011 / 2015-2021
Mary Therese Monia, Music Teacher, employed from 1970-1989
Christine Oberle, Speech Language Pathologist, employed from 1980-2013
Nichole Reed, Math Teacher, employed from 1998-2020
Melinda Schilli, Physical Education Teacher, employed from 1988-2013.
Vickie Stephens, Elementary Teacher, employed from 1986-2009
Mikel Stewart, Superintendent, employed from 1983-2012
Peggy Webb, Elementary Teacher, employed from 1970-2002
The following awards were presented throughout the evening: Friend of Education, Employee of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year. Staff members who have served for 25 years were recognized, along with each building’s Teacher of the Year and staff members who have recently completed degree programs and earned awards. Superintendent Dr. Julie Flieg recognized those staff members retiring this year. Please see the recipients, along with further details on these awards below.
Friend of Education Award
As a district, we recognize that without the support and assistance of our community, we would not be able to provide a complete, well-rounded educational experience for our students. To show our appreciation to our community, we take time during this banquet to recognize organizations and individuals for their contributions and support.
Board of Education members Mr. Jim Kirchner and Mrs. Jamie Ballew presented the 2021-2022 Friend of Education award to Mr. Terry McDaniel.
Mr. McDaniel has served the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District as a teacher, coach, principal, and Board of Education member, and devoted advocate for public education throughout our district and our state. He exemplifies what it means to be Loyal and True. Rarely does an occasion pass without Mr. McDaniel sharing dragon tales from days past. His impact is felt throughout the district, from reading “The Poky Little Puppy” to elementary students during Read-On Missouri Week, to working concessions for each and every home baseball game. During his coaching years, he would always model a positive attitude regardless of their record and provide helpful feedback to individuals and the team.
Even after his career as a teacher, coach and principal, Mr. McDaniel chose to continue to be involved with the district by serving as a Board of Education Member for more than 20 Years. Mr. McDaniel has demonstrated over the last several decades that providing our students with the best educational experience possible is our primary goal.
Employee of the Year Award
Board of Education Secretary Mrs. Geri Diesel and Member Mr. Josh Gettinger announced the 2021-2022 Employee of the Year award recipient as Mrs. Stephanie Gegg, social worker for the district. While educating students is our ultimate goal, our students often experience adversity and need assistance navigating these challenges. Mrs. Gegg has the skill set to help students maneuver through difficult times with the goal of keeping them safe and providing resources so they can focus on being successful in school. Her genuine interest in students allows her to easily make connections with students, teach them to advocate for themselves or advocate for them herself when no one else will. She is compassionate and continually looks for ways to improve our community partnerships and processes for under-served youth, as well as their families.
Coach of the Year Award
Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Nix presented the 2021-2022 Coach of the Year award to Mr. Justin Roth. Mr. Roth coaches two sports at Ste. Genevieve R-II and received eight nominations! He embodies the qualities we look for when hiring a coach. His genuine care for our students is what stands out the most. In addition to this, his work ethic and knowledge of the sports he coaches continues to grow. He can be seen attending and supporting his students and athletes in their school and community endeavors. He is a wonderful role model for all kids with whom he interacts, and he lives the motto of Family, Tradition and Excellence everyday.
Supervisor of the Year
Board of Education President Mr. David Bova and Vice President Mr. Eric Basler presented the 2021-2022 Supervisor of the Year award to Mr. Davey Karl, Director of Maintenance and Housekeeping. When you hear his voice, or more often his laugh, carry down the hallway, it brings a smile to your face. Through hard work and patience, our supervisor of the year has worked his way through the ranks and now leads by working collaboratively with his colleagues and laying a framework for improvement and excellence. He holds himself to high standards and demonstrates that hard work and dedication are the keys to not only a successful career, but a successful life.
25 Years Milestone
Each year, the district recognizes those staff members who have spent 25 years in their field for their perseverance and unyielding dedication. The employees who reached this milestone this year include:
Rebecca Besand, Business Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Middle School
Jesika Greminger, Counselor at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Dr. Jeremy O’Brien, English Language Arts Teacher at Ste. Genevieve High School
Janel Reiss, Fifth Grade Teacher at Bloomsdale Elementary
Lorena Roth, Core Data/Food Service Coordinator for the District
Debbie Webery, Cook at the Ste. Genevieve Campus
Teachers of the Year
The Teacher of the Year awards were presented by each building principal:
Bloomsdale Elementary: Lynette Pfaff, Supplemental English Language Arts Teacher
Lynette Pfaff is known for developing positive and caring relationships with her students and coworkers. She encourages students to be the best they can possibly be. She is an excellent team player who shares ideas and works collaboratively with teachers. She is caring, positive, energetic, self confident and possesses the “with-it” characteristic of outstanding teachers. She can often be found spending endless hours researching information; organizing materials, resources and data; and offering ideas in order to help promote student success. She is an educator who is always learning, growing and sharing knowledge with others.
Ste. Genevieve Elementary: Dennis Kreitler, Physical Education Teacher
Dennis Kreitler has a positive relationship with every student at Ste. Genevieve Elementary, knows them all by name, and knows personal details about each of them. He is the first to offer a helping hand, and often spends his plan time helping others. He makes going to physical education class fun by providing a variety of activities every day! He is always searching for new and exciting activities. When students enter the gym, music is playing, stations are set up, and students are excited to be there. He has built a relationship with the children, and they love him.
Ste. Genevieve Middle School: Ed Draper, Counselor
Ed Draper actively works day in and day out without fail to keep the best interests of students in mind. Everything he does is student-centered, student-driven and student-supported. He is also known for his unfailing dependability. Time after time, he comes to the aid of teachers, students and even perfect strangers who need a sympathetic ear, a clever solution or way out of a tricky spot. Without fail, he provides what is needed in the moment, whether that is sympathy, a laugh, or when needed, difficult conversations borne out of tough love. We cannot emphasize enough how invaluable is his ability to keep his cool—and more importantly, share his calm—with those who need it.
Ste. Genevieve High School: Denise Bader, Business Teacher
Denise Bader made a lasting impact on her students’ education and their futures. She prepared them well for the real world, and she is passionate about what she does, and it shows through her teaching. Lily Lueken shared that Mrs. Bader is inspiring in how she stays organized, and always notices when something is bothering a student and does whatever she can to help out. Corey Simmons shared that he learned an incredible amount of information about business and finance through FBLA, and that the SBE program gave him a chance to learn about different local careers, as well as what working in an office setting might be like. Dr. Boyd, a former student, shared that one of the things he will never forget about Mrs. Bader is her genuineness to serve. She always took the time to ensure that they were not only good students, but good people.
Retirees
This year, we celebrated and recognized four years of retirees. These cherished Ste. Genevieve R-II family members are listed below.
2018-19 Retirees:
Debbie Carrow, Custodian at Bloomsdale Elementary
Judy Uding-Schweigert, Custodian at the Ste. Genevieve Campus
2019-2020 Retirees:
Elizabeth Abt, Head Cook at the Ste. Genevieve Campus
Elaine Brischle, Special Education Paraprofessional at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Glen Dalton, Special Education Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Middle School
Geralyn Diesel, Principal at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Sherry Koonce, Third Grade Teacher at Bloomsdale Elementary
Jane Kraenzle, Secretary at Bloomsdale Elementary
Susan Macklin, Library Aide at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Tana Schenck, Administrative Assistant at the District Office
Rosanne Schwent, Secretary at Bloomsdale Elementary
Diane Staffen, Cook at Bloomsdale Elementary
Debbie Vaeth, Bus Monitor for the District
Three 2019-2020 retirees were able to attend the event:
Elaine Brischle, 1997 – 2019, 21 years of service
Elaine Brischle served many students in a variety of buildings throughout her career at Ste. Genevieve R-II. She spent her years of service working with students who had behavior disorders, learning disabilities and a variety of other special needs. In retirement, she is spending more time with family and friends, camping every chance she gets, staying out of the hospital and, more than anything else, spending time with her five beautiful grandchildren, while anxiously waiting for the arrival of number six.
Geralyn Diesel, 2005 – 2020, 16 years of service
Geri Diesel served as a Title I Aide at Ste. Genevieve Elementary, a Science Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Middle School, a 5th Grade Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Elementary, an Assistant Principal at Ste. Genevieve Elementary and the Principal at Ste. Genevieve Elementary. But, her total years of service are actually 23 years because she taught seven years in many other states while her husband served in the United States Air Force. In retirement, she is traveling, gardening, spending time with her family, catching up on home projects and trying not to hurt herself doing the above items.
Sherry Koonce, 1992 – 2020, 28 years of service
Sherry Koonce taught first grade at Bloomsdale Elementary during her first year then moved to third grade, where she stayed for 27 years. In retirement, she is traveling and visiting her family and friends.
2020-2021 Retirees:
Martha Bahr, Cook at the Ste. Genevieve Campus
Mike Cook, Art Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Julia Fallert, Social Studies Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Middle School
Chris Hoehne, Principal at Ste. Genevieve High School
Donna Huck, Administrative Assistant for the District
Jean LaRose, Custodian at the Ste. Genevieve Campus
Jill Naeger, Speech Language Pathologist for the District
Tina Oberle, Special Education Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Kris Ritter, Finance Coordinator for the District
Donna Roth, Special Education Paraprofessional at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Keith Schweiss, Director of Maintenance and Housekeeping for the District
Teresa Sedgwick, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Middle School
Four 2020-2021 retirees were able to attend the event:
Julia Fallert, 1995 – 2021, 26 Years of Service
Throughout her career at Ste. Genevieve Middle School, Julia Fallert taught Science, English Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies. Her total years of service are 29 because she taught three years at other schools. In retirement, she has been doing whatever she wants when she wants – things like unlimited bathroom breaks and lunches; traveling to Kansas City and El Paso to visit her children; and continuing her part-time gig at the Show-Me Shop.
Donna Huck, 1997 – 2003 and 2007 – 2020, 19 Years of Service
Donna Huck served as an administrative assistant at Ste. Genevieve High School, Ste. Genevieve Middle School and the District Office throughout her career at Ste. Genevieve R-II. She also spent three years working in the District Office for the Farmington School District. In retirement, she plans to go rafting in the Grand Canyon this summer, travel more, sew, and keep up with her family and grandkids.
Tina Oberle, 2000 – 2001, 21 Years of Service
Tina Oberle served as a special education teacher and process coordinator at Bloomsdale Elementary for 13 years and spent seven years at Ste. Genevieve Elementary as a special education teacher. She also spent one year at Jefferson R-7, three years at St. Joseph – Zell, and six years at Our Lady Help of Christian – Weingarten. In retirement, she plans to relax, not set her alarm clock, spend a lot of time with her grandchildren (Carson and Cora), enjoy the outdoors, work in the yard with her husband, go for walks and travel.
Teresa Sedgwick, 2001 – 2021, 20 Years of Service
Teresa Sedgwick taught Family and Consumer Sciences at Ste. Genevieve Middle School. Her total years of service are actually 38, because she taught 18 years in other school districts. In retirement, she has slowed down and is enjoying the grandkids, gardening, reading and doing absolutely nothing on some days.
2021-2022 Retirees:
Denise Bader, Business Teacher at Ste. Genevieve High School
Shelley Beyatte, Head Cook at Bloomsdale Elementary
Dr. Tracey Eatherton, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Ste. Genevieve High School
Dana Engelmann, Mathematics Teacher at Ste. Genevieve High School
Dr. Teresa Green, Director of Student Services for the District
Jerome Grein, Custodian for the District, Custodian at Ste. Genevieve Middle School
Gwen Herman, Custodian at the Ste. Genevieve Campus
Kenny Howell, Custodian at Bloomsdale Elementary
Christine Linderer, Custodian at Ste. Genevieve High School
Suzette Mudd, Fifth Grade Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Keri Pfaff, Secretary to the Superintendent and Board Clerk.
Dr. Michael Ruch, Social Studies Teacher at Ste. Genevieve High School
Debbie Webery, Cook on the Ste. Genevieve Campus
Kenneth Weik, Industrial Arts Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Middle School and Ste. Genevieve High School
Melinda Wolk, Custodian at Ste. Genevieve Middle School
Ten 2021-2022 retirees were able to attend the event:
Denise Bader, 2005 – 2022, 17 Years of Service
Denise Bader taught in the Business Department at Ste. Genevieve High School for 17 years and served as the Advisor for FBLA and the Coordinator for Supervised Business Experience. Her total years of service are actually 34 because she taught eight years at St. Pius High School and nine years at Farmington High School. She plans to work part-time after retirement, travel, read, relax in the pool, sleep in on the days she is off and shop more.
Dr. Tracey Eatherton, 1995 – 2022, 27 Years of Service
Dr. Tracey Eatherton served as the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at the high school throughout her career. She has also served as the FCCLA Advisor, class sponsor to multiple classes, FTA sponsor and NHS sponsor. Prior to coming to Ste. Genevieve, she also taught for five years in other school districts. Her retirement plans include teaching at Southeast Missouri State University, traveling more and enjoying her Jeep adventures.
Dr. Teresa Green, 2014 – 2022, 8 Years of Service
Dr. Teresa Green served as the Director of Student Services at Ste. Genevieve R-II. Prior to coming to Ste. Genevieve, she also taught for 14 years in other school districts. In retirement, she plans to travel while maintaining her professional coaching and consulting business.
Jerome Grein, 2016 – 2021, 5 Years of Service
Jerome Grein served as a custodian for Ste. Genevieve R-II for five years. In retirement, he is relaxing, enjoying life and getting to the beach whenever possible.
Christine Linderer, 2000 – 2022, 22 Years of Service
Chris served as a custodian at Ste. Genevieve R-II. In retirement, she plans to relax, see more of her family and is looking forward to seeing her fifth grandson in September.
Suzette Mudd, 1995 – 2022, 27 Years of Service
Suzette Mudd taught fifth grade for 27 years at Ste. Genevieve R-II. She was lucky enough to teach at both Bloomsdale Elementary and Ste. Genevieve Elementary. In retirement, she plans to spend lots of time with her grandkids, maybe do a bit of traveling with Greg, and substitute teach.
Keri Pfaff, 1998 – 2022, 24 Years of Service
Keri Pfaff served in many roles throughout her career at Ste. Genevieve R-II. She was a teacher clerk; teacher’s aide at Ste. Genevieve Elementary, Ste. Genevieve Middle School and Ste. Genevieve High School; secretary in the health office; and is currently serving as Secretary to the Superintendent and Board Clerk. In retirement, she plans to get things done around the house and spend time with her three grandbabies by spoiling them and then sending them home. She also plans to relax, start reading again and may get a part-time job.
Dr. Michael Ruch, 1998 – 2022, 24 Years of Service
Dr. Michael Ruch served as a Social Studies teacher at Ste. Genevieve High School throughout his career. He also served as the Scholar Bowl Coach, girls assistant basketball coach and a sponsor of NHS, social studies society and FTA. Prior to coming to Ste. Genevieve, he also taught for three years in other school districts. In retirement, he plans to teach at Mineral Area College, supervise field experience student teachers for Southeast Missouri State University, and continue learning to play guitar and other various musical instruments.
Kenneth Weik, 2004 – 2009 and 2014 – 2022, 13 Years of Service
Kenny Weik served as an industrial arts teacher for Ste. Genevieve Middle School and Ste. Genevieve High School throughout his career. He served as the head football coach, head boys track coach, assistant football coach and assistant track coach. He also taught for 15 years in other school districts, which gives him a total of 28 years of service. In retirement, he plans to find something to do to keep himself busy so he does not drive his wife crazy.
Melinda Wolk, 1998 – 2022, 23.5 Years of Service
Melinda Wolk served as a custodian at Ste. Genevieve R-II. During her first year, she worked the evening shift. She then transferred to the day shift at Ste. Genevieve Middle School and has held this position for 22.5 years. In retirement, she plans to vacation in Florida with her family; watch her grandchildren, Bryce and Alba, play all of their sports; take them to Six Flags and the zoo; spend time doing volunteer work; and spend time with and help take care of her mom.
Degrees, Awards & Other Achievements
The following staff members were recognized for earning degrees, awards and other achievements throughout the school year:
Ashley Bauman – Specialist Degree
Jamie Bauman – Specialist Degree
Robert Coleman – Specialist Degree
Dr. Julie Flieg – Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce – 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award
Ashley Gettinger – Specialist Degree
Dr. Teresa Green- MOCASE Outstanding LASE Award
Christina Rudloff-Guilford – Master’s in Education – Teaching Technology
Whitney Hilbert – Specialist Degree
Jennifer Huling – Specialist Degree
Meagan Huck – Master of Arts in Exceptional Child Education
Rebecca Keim – Specialist Degree
Audra Kingery – Master of Arts in School Counseling
Ryan Mueller – Specialist Degree
Lindsey Rector – Specialist Degree
Justin Roth – Specialist Degree
Aaron Stuppy – Master of Arts in Elementary with Emphasis in Math and Science
Ashley Wehner – Specialist Degree
Christia Wolk – Master of Arts in Counseling
Tiff Wolk – Specialist Degree
Ste. Genevieve County R-II would like to congratulate all of these recipients and retirees. Dr. Flieg and Dr. Taylor would also like to thank the Ste. Genevieve County R-II family (students, parents, employees and community members) for a wonderful school year.
We would like to share our appreciation to everyone who played a part in making this event a success. This banquet could not have been possible without our organized event coordinator Mrs. Brittany Gegg. In addition, thank you to all who assisted her in decorating and planning the event, including Donna Huck, Megan Donovan, Chrissy Gettinger, Crystal Roth and Lori Roth. We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their part in the event: the Ste. Genevieve Elks Lodge and Makenzie Beckham for hosting our event in their venue; Eleven Eleven Catering for providing the wonderful meal; Crossroads for providing the delightful musical entertainment; Nikki Jenkins for serving beverages; Mrs. Bre Uzzell for delivering the invocation; John and Bailey Otto for photographing the event; and Dragon Fuel and Kristi Cleghorn for donating tea and lemonade.