STE. GENEVIEVE – The Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District held its 36th Retirement and Recognition Banquet May 8 at the Ste. Genevieve Elks Lodge; an event honoring retirees and celebrating staff members for their outstanding service for our students and our community.
The following awards were presented: Friend of Education, Employee of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year. Staff members who are retiring, as well as those who have served for 25 years, were recognized, along with each building’s Educator of the Year and staff members who have recently completed degree programs and earned awards.
In addition, the district presented former Board of Education President Mr. David Bova a plaque for his years of service and leadership to the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District.
Please see more about the award recipients and retirees below.
Employee of the Year Award
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lance McClard and Board of Education member Mrs. Martha Resinger announced the 2025-2026 Employee of the Year award recipient: Mallory Wipfler, an administrative assistant for Ste. Genevieve Middle School.
As an administrative assistant at Ste. Genevieve Middle School, Mallory plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the building. She is constantly balancing a wide range of responsibilities—from securing substitute teachers and coordinating class coverage to managing daily financial tasks, announcements and supporting both students and staff. She keeps so much moving behind the scenes, and her energy and positivity resonates throughout the building.
Mallory’s impact extends far beyond logistics. She brings a fun, welcoming energy to the front office and is often the first face people see, setting the tone with her friendliness, humor and willingness to help. Staffmembers know they can rely on her—not only to handle the details, but also to provide reassurance and support when they need it most. Mallory meets students where they are, builds relationships with them and also supports them as coach of the middle school cheer-leading squad.
Mallory’s dedication, leadership, and genuine care for those around her make her an invaluable part of Ste. Genevieve Middle School and SG R-II. Her work makes a difference in ways both big and small, and is felt across the entire school community.
Supervisor of the Year
Board of Education President Mr. Eric Basler and Vice President Mr. Josh Gettinger presented the 2025-2026 Supervisor of the Year award to Mrs. Jordan Mueller, Director of Food Services.
Jordon is an exceptional leader who keeps a complex operation running smoothly each day. Managing food service across multiple buildings, she oversees a large and dynamic team while ensuring that every detail—from menus to meal service—is handled with care and precision. Her leadership is steady, confident and grounded in a deep commitment to both her staff and the students they serve.
Jordon is highly knowledgeable in her role and leads with both confidence and care. She makes it a priority to recognize her team, ensuring important days like Employee Appreciation Day and Food Service Hero Day are meaningful and celebrated. The culture she has built speaks for itself—one rooted in accountability, teamwork and pride in their work.
From coordinating across multiple sites and supporting head cooks, to navigating staffing challenges and ensuring compliance with nutrition guidelines, she handles each responsibility with professionalism, efficiency and composure. She is deeply committed to her team and consistently makes sure staff feel prepared, supported and informed.
Jordon has worked to expand menu options, introduce new ideas and ensure meals meet a wide range of dietary needs, all while maintaining high standards. Her attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement reflect a leader who is always looking for ways to better serve the district.
Friend of Education Award
As a district, our work is strengthened by the support of our community. That partnership helps create opportunities for our students that extend beyond the classroom and enrich their overall experience. Each year, we take time during this banquet to recognize the individuals and organizations who invest in our schools in meaningful ways. Their support plays a valuable role in the success of our students and the strength of our district, and we are grateful for all they contribute.
Director of Student Services Dr. Jami Drury and Board of Education member Mr. Jim Kirchner presented the 2025-2026 Friend of Education award to Jennifer Rider, substitute teacher at Bloomsdale Elementary.
Mrs. Rider’s connection to Bloomsdale Elementary began years ago as a dedicated volunteer while her own children were students. Since then, she has continued to serve the school community, becoming a familiar face in the building on almost a daily basis and supporting students and staff in a variety of roles, most notably as a substitute teacher.
No matter where she is needed—whether in the classrooms, gym, music room, art room, or the office—Mrs. Rider shows up ready to help, always with a warm smile and a positive attitude. She steps into any classroom with confidence, embracing each opportunity with professionalism and enthusiasm. Her adaptability and reliability ensure continuity in learning, whether it’s a planned absence or a last-minute need. Staff know they can count on her, and there is a genuine sense of comfort in knowing students are in her care. She communicates with teachers, supports classroom routines, and approaches each day with a selfless mindset that reflects her deep commitment to the school community. Her positivity is contagious, her presence is reassuring, and her impact is felt throughout the building.
Coach of the Year Award
Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Nix presented the 2025-2026 Coach of the Year award to Coach Chris Thompson.
Coach Chris Thompson is one of the few remaining multi-sport coaches in SG R-II, serving as an assistant coach in both seventh grade football and high school track and field. In track, he takes on the specialized role of throws coach. Whether he is working with middle school athletes learning the fundamentals or helping high school students refine specialized skills, Coach Thompson brings energy, patience, and purpose to every practice and competition.
What sets Coach Thompson apart is his commitment to growth. He is constantly seeking out new drills, techniques, and strategies to better serve his athletes, and that dedication is reflected in the confidence and improvement of the students he coaches each day. At the middle school level especially, his patience and encouragement help students build not only athletic skills, but discipline and self-belief as well.
Much of Coach Thompson’s work happens behind the scenes, from filming Friday night varsity football games to helping organize and host numerous home track meets throughout the year. His athletes clearly respect him, and his steady presence has made a lasting impact on countless students. Coach Thompson represents dedication, humility, and genuine care for young people, and SG R-II is better because of him.
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. Superintendent Dr. Paul Taylor and Board of Education members Mrs. Martha Resinger and Mr. Jim Kirchner recognized the employees who reached this milestone:
Mrs. Rose Kreitler, preschool teacher at the ECC
Dr. Jeff Nix, Athletic Director
Mrs. Kelly Sulkowski, Counselor at SGHS
Teachers of the Year
The Teacher of the Year awards were presented:
Early Childhood Center: Heather Ehlers, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Heather Ehlers embraces challenges with confidence and creativity, always believing in her students and their ability to succeed. She takes immense pride in helping each child reach their fullest potential, and that belief shines through in everything she does. In a classroom with a wide range of abilities, she creates lessons that are inventive, meaningful and engaging. She doesn’t just teach—she creates experiences. She is her students’ biggest cheerleader, ensuring they receive individualized support while making learning joyful and exciting. Her classroom is a place where every student feels included, valued and successful. Every minute is purposeful, and every child knows they matter. As a colleague, she brings positivity, compassion and energy. She is the person who steps in wherever needed—sometimes in more than one place at once. Whether she’s on the floor with her students, celebrating their successes or supporting a coworker, she leads with humility and heart.
Bloomsdale Elementary: Ashley Grein, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Ashley Grein creates a classroom atmosphere filled with energy, encouragement and connection. Her students know they are cared for from the moment they walk through the door, and that sense of belonging helps them thrive. With a balance of warmth and structure, Ashley helps students build confidence, develop independence and take pride in their work. Ashley is known by her colleagues as a dependable, uplifting presence who brings calmness and positivity to those around her. Her creativity shines through in the experiences she creates for children, often blending hands-on learning and the outdoors in ways that spark curiosity and excitement. Beyond her classroom, Ashley is a constant source of support for the Bloomsdale Elementary community. Whether helping organize PTO events, encouraging coworkers, or brightening someone’s day with a small act of kindness, she leads with generosity and authenticity. Ashley’s influence reaches far beyond her classroom walls, leaving a lasting impression on students, families and staff alike.
Ste. Genevieve Elementary: Della Buxton, Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Della Buxton is a dedicated self-contained special education teacher whose unwavering commitment to her students’ success and well-being is evident in everything she does. She is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, putting in whatever hours are necessary to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, challenged and loved. Her classroom is more than just a place of learning — it is a space filled with care, patience, understanding and hope. Teaching is not simply a job for her; it is truly a calling. She sees every child as an individual with unique strengths, struggles and incredible potential. When faced with challenges, she continues to lead with grace, compassion and determination. She always looks beyond the behavior or the obstacle to see the heart of the student, and she consistently makes decisions based on what is best for children.
Ste. Genevieve Middle School: Kayla Hogenmiller, Math Teacher
n Mrs. Kayla Hogenmiller’s classroom, students are not just learning math, they are learning confidence and building trust in their own abilities and potential. What makes Kayla especiall remarkable is the way she inspires students to think. Through innovative strategies that encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and deeper understanding, she transforms math into something students experience rather than just complete. She challenges students to take ownership of their learning and to believe in what they can achieve. Kayla is also committed to growing as an educator herself. She consistently seeks professional development opportunities to refine her craft and ensure her students receive the very best instruction possible. She understands that excellence means never standing still. That is who Kayla is: compassionate, innovative, and always willing to give extra effort for students.
Ste. Genevieve High School: Halleh Fallert, Math Teacher
Mrs. Halleh Fallert has a unique ability to balance two things that don’t always go hand in hand: building meaningful, authentic relationships with students while also maintaining high expectations and strong academic rigor. In her classroom, students know they are cared for, but that they will also be challenged to be their very best. What makes Halleh truly special is her ability to reach every student who walks through her door. Whether working with some of the highest-achieving students in our building in her dual credit Calculus Class or supporting those who find math to be a challenge, she meets each student where they are and helps them grow. She constantly seeks out new strategies, new approaches and new ways to make learning engaging, meaningful and accessible for all. Halleh represents everything we hope for in our profession, someone who works tirelessly, cares deeply and makes a difference not just academically, but personally in the lives of students.
Retirees
The school district celebrated and recognized four retirees. These cherished Ste. Genevieve County R-II family members are listed below.
2025-2026 Retirees:
Kathy Eisenbeis, Nurse Aide at SGMS / SGHS
Jonathan Robinson, STARS Coordinator
Nancy Toombs, Technology Director
Russell Toombs, Senior Counselor at SGHS
All four retirees were able to attend the event:
Kathy Eisenbeis, 2016 – 2025
Kathy Eisenbeis is retiring after approximately 10 years of service to the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. She began her time with the district in a communications role, where she spent two years helping share the stories and accomplishments happening across our schools. Kathy then transitioned to the middle and high school health office, serving as a nurse aide and health secretary, where she built strong connections with students and staff. In retirement, Kathy is looking forward to a slower pace and more time with family, and also hopes to travel.
Jonathan Robinson, 2009 – 2026
Jonathan Robinson is retiring after 17 years in education with the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. During his time at SG R-II, he served as a STARS coordinator and teacher, supporting students through specialized instruction and building meaningful connections that extended well beyond the classroom. Jon also contributed to the district as an assistant boys basketball coach, helping support the growth of the program and being part of two district championship teams. In retirement, he is looking forward to spending more time with his 16 grandchildren, camping and traveling, and even learning to play the guitar.
Nancy Toombs, 2000 – 2026
Nancy Toombs is retiring after 28 years in education, including 26 years at Ste. Genevieve County R-II. She began her time at SG R-II teaching technology-related courses, including keyboarding, word processing, desktop publishing, computer programming and network administration. Nancy became Assistant Technology Director in 2003 and Technology Director in 2005, helping guide the district through years of change in how technology supports teaching, learning and day-to-day operations. In retirement, she and Russ plan to move closer to their children, travel in the fall and spend more time with their grandbabies.
Russell Toombs, 1998 – 2026
Russ Toombs is retiring after 31 years in education, including 28 years with the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. Over that time, he’s worn a lot of hats—secondary math teacher, school counselor, long-time Student Council sponsor, and coach of multiple sports, including softball, basketball, track, and cross country. From the classroom to the counseling office, and from the sidelines to graduation day, Russ has been a steady presence for generations of students. In retirement, he’s looking forward to spending more time with family, moving closer to his kids and traveling a bit more with Nancy.
Degrees, Awards & Other Achievements
The following staff members were recognized for earning degrees, awards and other achievements throughout the school year:
Madison Bock — Specialist in Education, Educational Administration
Nanya Gegg — 2026 MAESP Southeast Regional Distinguished Principal of the Year
Ashley Gettinger — 2025–2026 DESE Regional Teacher of the Year; Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Mentor Ste. Genevieve Award
Rebecca Keim — Master of Arts in Educational Administration
Rachel McDaniel — Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Paige Naeger — Personalized Competency-Based Master Teacher Cadre
Amy Richardson — Bachelor of Science in Education
Justin Roth — Master of Arts in Educational Administration
Sara Roth — Specialist in Education, Teacher Leadership
Emily Skaggs — Bachelor of Science in Elementary
Shari Stanfill — Specialist in Education, Educational Diagnostician
A Ste. Genevieve County R-II official congratulated all of these recipients and retirees. “We would also like to thank the Ste. Genevieve County R-II family (students, families, employees, community members and more) for a wonderful school year!”
The district official added, “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 coordinators Mrs. Brittany Gegg and Mrs. Erin Jokerst. This event takes an incredible amount of time, meticulous planning, and attention to detail, and they are dedicated to making sure all attendees feel welcome and appreciated. In addition, thank you to all who assisted them in decorating and planning the event, including the following students who helped set up and decorate the hall for this event: Emme Browne, Anna Fischer, Josef Rottler, Wyatt Schmelzle, Nolan Slinkard and Maddox Sutton.”
The official also stated, “We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their part in the event: the Ste. Genevieve Elks Lodge for hosting our event in their venue; Eleven Eleven Catering for providing the wonderful meal; Karl’s Kitchen for catering the fantastic desserts; Sam Berkbigler for the fantastic backdrop; and Crossroads for providing the delightful musical entertainment.