SR3 Hosts Memorable End-of-the-Year Celebration
The school year officially ended on Tuesday, May 21st, but the SR3 staff gathered one last time on May 22nd for an epic celebration. Savannah Middle School was abuzz with excitement as the Savannah R3 School District hosted its annual End-of-the-Year Celebration sponsored by Durham Bus Company and Lehr Construction.
A Morning to Remember
Over 300 SR3 staff members were greeted with breakfast from Hazel's Coffee of St. Joe. Giant handmade cinnamon rolls, savory breakfast burritos, and made-to-order coffee drinks served via food truck set a fun and welcoming tone for the day. Scheduled time for camaraderie, reflection, and fellowship was enjoyed by all who attended. Partnerships with Durham Bus Company and Lehr Construction were crucial in the morning's success.
High School Teacher and Event Emcee Brant Melvin kicked off the celebration ceremony, highlighting the importance of each staff member's role in the district and applauding their adaptability to change.
Years of Service and Retirees
Several SR3 staff members were presented with milestone pins to honor their dedication. While the district boasts nearly 90 staff members with ten years of service or more, this year's retirees were the real milestones of the morning.
Coach Terry Hopkins spent the last 22 years as a PE teacher and basketball coach for SHS. He is known for his innovative and heartfelt coaching and impressive 300-game wins.
Mary Ann Pardo taught foreign language at SHS for 10 years and was praised for her positivity, warm nature, and snacks.
Carole Bunse was an English Teacher at SHS for 16 years, most known for her compassion, relationships, and insatiable love for reading.
Shawn Murphy has been with SR3 for 22 years as a middle school social studies teacher and long-time elementary art teacher. She is honored for her vibrant personality, humor, and engaging teaching style.
Kristine Reedy taught theater, drama, and debate at SMS for the past thirty years. She was highly celebrated and commended for her relentless dedication to students and her impact on generations of SR3 families.
Chris Lohman worked with SR3 for 12 years, first as a classroom teacher at John Glenn and most recently as a technology teacher for John Glenn, Helena, and Amazonia Elementaries. He is known for his patience, kindness, and love for SunDrop.
Catina Dreyer has been with Savannah Middle School for 19 years, first as a Spanish Teacher and then as the Assistant Principal. She is celebrated as an advocate for ‘what’s best for kids’, for her sense of style and humor, and for her ability to handle any chaos that might come through the halls of SMS with grace.
Kelly Warren has been an Administrator for the District for the last 17 years, as a principal at Minnie Cline and then John Glenn Elementary. She leaves behind a legacy of hands-on, child-first leadership and a love for harmless pranks.
Jeff Martin served 9 years as the District Director of Technology, praised for his problem-solving expertise, patience, and kindness.
Dr. Eric Kurre has been in public education for the last 42 years, including seven as Superintendent at SR3. He is celebrated for his leadership, knowledge of school finance, and positive impact on the growth of the district.
Celebrating Excellence
The following Outstanding staff members were recognized for their dedication and contributions:
Excellence in Service Award Winner: Bailey Hughes, High School Registrar, for her welcoming and helpful demeanor toward students in the counseling center.
Excellence in Education Award
Runner-Up: Jessie Steinman, Middle School ELA, and Reading Teacher, was praised for creating a safe and supportive classroom environment and for building strong relationships with her students.
Winner: Rachel Lavo, Middle School Math Teacher, was celebrated for her high standards and unwavering support for her students, both academically and personally.
Rookie of the Year Award Winner: Alex Mierhoffer, High School Theater, and Debate Teacher, was recognized for his ability to connect with students and motivate them to discover greatness and abilities within themselves that they might have overlooked.
Barb Goebel Innovative Teacher Award Winner: The district administration team named Jenna Whittington, Middle School Media Specialist, for this prestigious award for her exceptional promotion of lifelong literacy and learning and fostering an inclusive and dynamic library environment.
Gifts, Gratitude and Goodbyes
Jess Gillett, Communications Coordinator, gave away over 150 gifts to SR3 staff members, thanks to generous donations from B's Tees, Shelton Siding, Sonic Drive-In of Savannah, Ellison-Auxier Architects Group, Top Hand Properties, Nodaway Valley Bank, and several other local businesses.
Retiring Superintendent Dr. Eric Kurre closed the ceremony, expressing deep gratitude and appreciation for the Savannah R3 School District. He highlighted the district's profound impact on him and his hopes for its future.
This year's End-of-Year Celebration was a huge success, made possible by the strong community support that often defines the Savannah R3 School District. Thanks to everyone who made this event possible, especially business partners Durham Bus Company and Lehr Construction. We look forward to another fantastic year ahead!
