On Friday, May 12, Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District held its 33rd 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.
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 are retiring, as well as those 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. Of those staff members retiring this year, Superintendent Dr. Julie Flieg shared some of her favorite memories, and thanked SG R-II for a wonderful career with the best people in education.
Please see more about the award recipients and retirees 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 2022-2023 Friend of Education award to Sam and Mary Oberle.
For the last several years, each quarter, a student from each classroom at Ste. Genevieve Elementary is recognized by their teacher as a POWER Leader, someone who stands out based on character, behavior, and leadership qualities. Four times a year, teachers and Sam and Mary Oberlie with the Ste. Genevieve Trolley surprise students at home with POWER Leader yard signs! Over the years, trolley owners Sam and Mary have dedicated their time and support through these trolley rides!
Sam and Mary give up those Friday evenings to join the teachers on their adventure, honking their horns as they arrive at every home, close and far. They drive down the narrowest roads, over creeks and through nasty weather, just so that these students get to experience this honor. Both Sam and Mary are part of the team that helps our teachers reach our community and our students, and this helps make celebrating our students that much more special. They play an enormous role In making celebrating these students possible, and we are beyond appreciative for their dedication to our district and willingness to be such a huge part of this program.
Employee of the Year Award
Director of Student Services Mrs. Jami Drury and Board of Education Member Mr. Josh Gettinger announced the 2022-2023 Employee of the Year award recipient as Mr. Lance Reed, maintenance employee for the district.
Mr. Reed takes pride in his work, and always brings a calm demeanor to every situation. He is known for his reliability, knowledge and self-motivation. He is patient and understanding when needing to train an employee, or when explaining the complexities and solutions to a problem. Whatever the task, he pays attention to detail and follows up to ensure that teachers and staff are satisfied with whatever assistance they need. His quiet humor and efficiency make him incredibly easy to work with, and his problem-solving skills are unmatched! His characteristic precision is why he is THE number one person requested for hanging pictures and plaques. We want to thank him for his dedication to ensuring that our facilities best serve our students and staff!
Coach of the Year Award
Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Nix presented the 2022-2023 Coach of the Year award to Mrs. Carla Basler. Coach Basler stands out, even in a group of exceptional coaches! She led her volleyball team to state this year, and put in the dediation and effort to make this one of the most exciting volleyball seasons we have seen! As one nomination shared, not only did Coach Basler lead the Lady Dragons to a final four volleyball state appearance this season, but she is an advocate for her athletes, and she encourages her athletes to work hard on and off the court. When searching for coaches, Dr. Nix shared that he looks for those who are passionate, knowledgeable, have a great work ethic, a good rapport with kids and the community, and who are hungry to learn more every year. Coach Basler embodies all of these qualities and more, and is more than deserving of this recognition!
Supervisor of the Year
Board of Education President Mr. David Bova and Vice President Mr. Eric Basler presented the 2022-2023 Supervisor of the Year award to Mr. Nathan Kingery, assistant principal at Ste. Genevieve Elementary! Mr. Kingery builds relationships with everyone in the building through his daily interactions. He is kind, selfless and approachable, stepping in wherever he is needed, bringing with him a calming atmosphere. He has lunch with students just to say hello and make each student feel special. When he walks into the room, students smile and run in for a hug. He covers lunch duties, recess duties, and steps in to offer a walk for those students who just need a break.
Recently, Mr. Kingery launched a podcast called SGE Student Voice, where everyone can learn about the teachers, programs, and lunches students love! In each episode, he and a student sit down and have a fun conversation, shining a light on our students and bringing joy to all who listen. Teachers and staff share that these discussions are just what they need to hear, and they are a reminder of what they do as educators, and the differences they are making. The students all love to listen in each week, too!
He has the biggest heart, he is everyone’s biggest cheerleader, and we thank him for all that he does for our students and staff.
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:
Dana Bowen, Third Grade Teacher at Bloomsdale Elementary
Russ Toombs, Counselor at Ste. Genevieve High School
Teachers of the Year
The Teacher of the Year awards were presented by each building principal:
Bloomsdale Elementary: Kellen Basler, Physical Education Teacher
Kellen Basler is an enormous asset to Bloomsdale Elementary— you never see him without a smile on his face or a positive greeting. He knows the proper way to deal with students who are in crisis mode, and he works well with every single student. He has high expectations for his students, and celebrates their successes every day. Kellen is a team player who shares ideas and works collaboratively with other teachers, and students know they can go to him with any issue. His upbeat attitude, along with his kind and encouraging demeanor, make him a great role model at Bloomsdale Elementary. His heart is in everything he does for his students, and students and staff alike have shared that Coach is the perfect person for this recognition!
Ste. Genevieve Elementary: Bethany Koetting, Early Childhood Coordinator
Bethany Koetting is a remarkable educator whose contributions and leadership have made a significant impact on the Early Childhood and Preschool team, and the wider educational community. Bethany embodies dedication, knowledge and leadership. Colleagues admire her hard work, problem-solving skills, and positive attitude. She is a compassionate mentor and leader who treats everyone with respect and kindness. Her commitment to staying up-to-date with grant opportunities has resulted in the successful acquisition of the Foundation for School Success Grant, which will provide students with new playground equipment and supplies. Bethany is already planning for the next grant opportunity, demonstrating her passion for providing the best resources for students. Her excellent communication skills enable her to transform any situation into a positive outcome. Colleagues also appreciate her thoughtfulness, dedication, and ability to lead by example.
Ste. Genevieve Middle School: Kelly Jokerst, English-Language Arts Teacher
One of the most evident characteristics Kelly possesses is an amazing work ethic. She can be counted upon to consistently provide meaningful and engaging instruction every hour. It is not unusual to find that—even after a full day of teaching—Kelly has stayed after school to meet with PCC or the Professional Development Committee, to advise a co-worker, or to attend an intervention meeting. Regardless of the hours, compensation, or recognition, she gives of herself, her effort, her time, and her heart with an “all in” attitude. Kelly seeks opportunities to get to know her students and constantly uses this individualized knowledge and rapport to meet their differing needs. These efforts constitute a bottomless well of school spirit, competitiveness, and fun. Most importantly, though, we recognize Kelly for the love and care she instills in her classroom.
Ste. Genevieve High School: Tyson Roth, SGHS Math / School Development Seminar Teacher
As an SGHS student, Tyson Roth truly green and white, and 12 years later, his spirit and love for his school and our district has not changed! He is caring, compassionate, a character builder and a team player. His students say that he is always willing to listen, and his door is always open when students need someone to talk to. They say that while he is a great teacher, he also makes his classes fun, and makes school an enjoyable place! Tyson’s dedication and love for the students of SGHS and providing them a quality opportunity is unparalleled. As you walk through the halls at SGHS, now you see shining examples of student-led improvement projects and initiatives that Tyson has helped to facilitate. He has worked to help empower student voice at SGHS. We are excited to watch his career in education, and to see how his innovative ideas will continue to bolster school spirit!
Retirees
This year, we celebrated and recognized 13 retirees. These cherished Ste. Genevieve County R-II family members are listed below.
2022-2023 Retirees:
Elizabeth (Betty) Bahr, Custodian at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Debra (Debbie) Baker, STARS Teacher at Ste. Genevieve High School
Rebecca Besand, Business Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Middle School
Teresa Carroll, Special Education Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Sandra (Sandy) Coalter, Custodian at Ste. Genevieve Middle School
Dr. Julie Flieg, Superintendent of Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District
Joyce Jokerst, Secretary at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Barbara (Barb) Lurk, Cook at Bloomsdale Elementary
Teresa Merz, American History / Contemporary Issues Teacher at Ste. Genevieve High School
Ann Reynolds, Fifth Grade Teacher at Ste. Genevieve Elementary
Glenda Stolzer, Cook on Ste. Genevieve Campus
Cheryl Wohlstadter, Process Coordinator at Ste. Genevieve Elementary / Bloomsdale Elementary
Lorie Zuspann, Principal at Bloomsdale Elementary
Seven retirees were able to attend the event.
Elizabeth (Betty) Bahr, 2014 - 2023, 8 Years of Service
Betty has been a custodian at Ste. Genevieve County R-II for almost nine years. Betty’s retirement plans include being a caregiver for her new grandbaby and spending time with her kids and grandkids.
Debra (Debbie) Baker, 2007 - 2023, 16 Years of Service
Debbie first joined SG R-II as an aide in the R&R Room/SPED aide at Bloomsdale Elementary. The following year, she was in the R&R room at the Ste. Genevieve Middle School. Debbie then moved to a teaching position and taught kindergarten at Bloomsdale Elementary for one year. After that, she transitioned to teaching 4th grade for 10 years at Bloomsdale Elementary before moving to the STARS program at the Ste. Genevieve High School for her last three years with the district. In retirement, Debbie plans to spend more time with her kids and grandchildren. She also plans to quilt, travel, relax, and enjoy not getting up to an alarm clock.
Rebecca Besand, 1997 - 2023, 26 Years of Service
Becky has been with Ste. Genevieve County R-II for 26 years. She worked two years at another school district, for a total of 28 years of serving students. Becky taught Business at Ste. Genevieve High School for three years and at Ste. Genevieve Middle School for 26 years. Rebecca’s retirement plans include helping on their farm, focusing on some home projects that are overdue, increasing the size of her garden, and developing some new recipes because she loves to cook! She’s also looking forward to some spur-of-the-moment road trips where she can pack up and head out anytime!
Teresa Carroll, 1982 - 1984 / 2003 - 2023, 24 Years of Service
Teresa has spent 24 years working at the district. She also spent seven years working in other districts. Teresa was a teacher in the deaf education resource room, a parent educator, and has been a special education teacher the last 20 years. In her retirement, she hopes to spend more time at their farm and with her family. She looks forward to visiting her children who live out of town and plans to be a substitute teacher.
Sandra (Sandy) Coalter, 2018 - 2022, 4 Years of Service
Sandy retired last June after spending four years with the district as a custodian, ending her time as a custodian at Ste. Genevieve Middle School. Sandy’s retirement plans include traveling, mushroom hunting, working in her flower beds, swimming, and playing in the sun!
Joyce Jokerst, 2013 - 2023, 10 years of Service
Joyce has served as a secretary at Ste. Genevieve Elementary the past 10 years. In retirement, Joyce is anxious to get out from behind a desk all day and move; move to what, or where, is still to be determined. She says it will include enjoying life with her husband Rick, traveling, exercising, and taking care of her family and precious grandkids.
Barbara (Barb) Lurk, 2005 - 2023, 18 Years of Service
Barb has been a cook for the district for 18 years. Her retirement plans include traveling, camping, side-by-side rides, and spending time with her four grandchildren and her family and friends.
Teresa Merz, 2006 - 2023, 17 Years of Service
During her 17 years as a part of the SG R-II family, Teresa taught American History, Contemporary Issues, Modern America, Economics, Personal Finance and Comparative Government. She has also served as a Homebound teacher for several students. In retirement, Teresa will spend more time with her husband, who is also retiring from the Sheriff's Department, her kids, and most importantly, her grandkids.
Ann Reynolds, 1995 - 2023, 28 Years of Service
Throughout Ann’s career, she has taught 1st through 5th grade at Bloomsdale Elementary and Ste. Genevieve Elementary. The bulk of her teaching career has been spent teaching 5th grade. She has also spent the last five years as the high school assistant/JV girls basketball coach. In retirement, Ann plans to spend lots of time with family, especially her three precious grandchildren. She’s looking forward to having more time to spend spoiling them. She’s also looking forward to taking a lot of vacations and visiting places that are on her bucket list.
Glenda Stolzer, 2010 - 2023, 13 Years of Service
Glenda has been a cook for the district for 13 years. Her retirement plans include resting, relaxing, and having fun but staying busy! Glenda plans to play with her grandchildren and take time to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up.
Cheryl Wohlstadter, 1993 - 2002 / 2004 - 2023, 28 Years of Service
Cheryl spent nine years as a special education teacher for grades 3-5, 10 years as a special education teacher for grades K-2, and 9 years as the elementary special education process coordinator. In addition to her teaching career, she also spent 15 years coaching and sponsoring Special Olympics. Cheryl plans to continue remodeling her parents’ house and EVENTUALLY move in! She also loves to bake, garden, and do yard work. She said she should have plenty of time for that now! She plans to spend time with family and friends and may even sub a little.
Lorie Zuspann, 2000 - 2023, 23 Years of Service
Over the course of Lorie’s career, she has been a substitute teacher, a teacher’s aide working with LD and hearing impaired students, a 5th grade teacher at Ste. Genevieve Elementary for 8 years, after school director for both Ste. Genevieve Elementary and Bloomsdale Elementary, and Bloomsdale Elementary Principal. In retirement, Lorie plans to travel and focus on her own children and family.
Dr. Julie Flieg, 1.4 Years as HS Guidance Secretary/Registrar, 27 Years as a Certified Employee
For the last five years, Dr. Julie Flieg has served as superintendent of Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. She spent her entire career at SG R-II, beginning when she helped collect money in the cafeteria at the middle school in 1985. She has worked in nearly every level of the district, some of which include registrar, special education teacher's aide, middle school and high school business teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, principal, assistant superintendent and then superintendent. In retirement, Dr. Flieg will serve as a director on the Bloomsdale Bank Board, as well as serve on the Board for the Ste. Genevieve County Developmentally Disabled, also known as the Senate Bill 40 Group. She might take a more active role at Flieg’s Equipment, Inc. She will continue to follow her daughter, Marysa, as she travels throughout the country competing in women's javelin, and she and her husband, Jason, will finally build their new house. She plans to spend more time traveling, camping, spending time with family, with her granddaughters, and trying to figure out what to do with her time.
Toward the end of the evening, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Paul Taylor shared a few words about Dr. Flieg and her impact on our district throughout her tenure at SG R-II.
“Our SG family holds a special place in Dr. Flieg’s heart, and she has been an integral member of that family,” Dr. Taylor said. “Throughout my time here in Ste. Genevieve, Dr. Julie Flieg has been a constant. She has been a consistent presence— student, student worker, summer help, secretary, teacher’s aide, teacher, administrator. For more than 30 years, Dr. Flieg has been an SG Dragon, loyal and true. Her experiences have provided her with perspective, and her connection has provided us with an example of how to lead, both with your head and with your heart. She has been a consistent voice— She is a tireless advocate for both students and staff. Through countless decisions, I have witnessed her integrity and dedication, ensuring that every decision is made by putting students and staff first. Her consistent message embodies our motto: DRAGONS: Family. Tradition. Excellence. Dr. Julie Flieg, we would like to thank you for so many things, but most of all, thank you for pouring your heart and soul into our students and our schools!”
Degrees, Awards & Other Achievements
The following staff members were recognized for earning degrees, awards and other achievements throughout the school year:
Dr. John Boyd, Jr. - 2023 Jim L. King Missouri HS Principal of the Year
Kristi Cleghorn - 2023 Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce Educator of the year
Hannah Fritsche-Donze - Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Ed Draper - Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Miranda Hines - Bachelors of Science in Child Development
Rachael Hoehn - Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Kayla Hogenmiller - Specialist in Mathematics Education
Jennifer Thomas - Special Education Certification
Jamie Viox - Elementary Education Certification and Special Education Certification AND Master of Arts in Teaching
Danielle Yamnitz - Specialist in Administration
Ste. Genevieve High School - Named a National Banner Unified Champion School for its commitment to inclusion by Special Olympics North America. SGHS is now the second Missouri school to earn this distinction.
Bloomsdale Elementary - Recognized with the Norm Gysbers award from the Missouri School Counselor Association; the NRM (National Recognized Model) from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and the RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) School designation from the American School Counselor Association. Bloomsdale Elementary is the first school in southeast Missouri to be recognized with these designations.
Ste. Genevieve County 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 & Erin Jokerst. In addition, thank you to all who assisted her in decorating and planning the event, including Mrs. Shelly Dallas and students Mariah Abt, Hannah Ahrens, Savannah DeRousse, Sophia DeRousse, Ruthie Dunn, Sophia Fritsche, Caitlin Gray, Meagen Jarvis, Elaina Schemel, and Sophie Vogt. 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; Mr. Tyson Roth for delivering the invocation; John and Bailey Otto for photographing the event; and Dragon Fuel and Kristi Cleghorn for donating tea and lemonade.