Crystal Apple 2026
Yvonne Lee has kept RE-1 students’ bellies full for over three decades
By Callie Jones cjones
@prairiemountainmedia.com
For 34 years Yvonne Lee has made sure the youngest learners in RE-1 Valley School District get fed.
“Yvonne, the kitchen manager at Ayres, has been with the district since 1992, all of those years in food service. Over half of her life has been dedicated to serving the students of this district. That in itself is award worthy!” her Crystal Apple Award nominator Joleen Locke said.
Lee started out as a cook at Franklin Elementary, then moved to Sexton Elementary and finally Ayres Elementary According to Locke, the Sterling High School graduate followed her mom, Bernice Williams’ footsteps but Lee said she didn’t always plan to work in a school kitchen. When she was a senior in high school she helped with crafts in Ellen Lippstrew’s room at Hagen and loved it, which led her to consider becoming a teacher but then life happened, she got married and had a child
She worked at Miller Western Wear for a time but then got laid off when the company closed Looking for a job, she put in an application for an open kitchen position at Franklin and so began an over three-decade career.
“Some may say, career? That’s not a career, but it is,” Locke said. “Food service is so much more than
Yvonne Lee, kitchen manager at Ayres Elementary, has been serving up breakfast and lunch for students in RE-1Valley for over 30years.
feeding kids, as a manager they have a lot of paperwork and guidelines that are always changing to follow Yvonne’s paperwork is always flawless, her orders on time and her kitchen spotless. Her leadership in the kitchen is clear when you walk in. Her and her staff are always working, if not cooking they are cleaning and making sure that the food they serve meets those guidelines but is also healthy and the kids like it and will eat what they serve them.”
Lee, who took over as kitchen manager when her former boss, Leanna Fuller, retired, considers
The 2026 Crystal Apple awards are presented by the Sterling Journal-Advocate and South Platte Sentinel to educators and employees at local school districts who are recognized by their peers for their extraordinary work.
Honorees
Yvonne Lee, Ayres Elementary 2
Stacey Manley, Cambell Elementary 3
Loraine Buxton, Sterling Middle School 4
Stephanie Kelsch, Sterling High School 4
Kylee Blecha, Caliche Elementary 6
herself fortunate and has no plans to retire anytime soon.
“I love this job, I really do. People think that’s crazy when I tell them that but I really do like my job. I love those kindergarten and first and second graders, it’s wonderful here,” she said, adding that her bosses, Principal Shannon Holloway and Locke, who is RE-1’s Food Service Director, are great to work with
Lee has spent so many years in the district that those who were in kindergarten when she first started now have children of their own who attend Ayres and often recognize her when they visit the lunchroom. Over the years, she was also able to serve her grandchildren, who attended Ayres and are now in high school.
Her favorite part of the day is breakfast because she’s able to get more one-on-one time with the students.
“You have more time to spend with them, talk to them and get to know them.” Before all school lunches became free and students had to have a lunch card she used to know every child by name, now that they don’t have cards she doesn’t know all of their names, which she sort of misses.
“It’s always exciting when the lines start, they go so fast, the days go very, very fast,” Lee said, adding that “it’s exciting when we’re having something they really like. They let us know, that’s great, we like to
Jeneva Withers, Caliche Jr./Sr. High 6
Diane Koester, RE-1 District Office, 7
Cathy Fisher, Northeastern Junior College 7
Tracy Smart, Merino Elementary 8
Bryan Dermer, Merino Jr./Sr. High 8
Jennifer Muller, Fleming Elementary 10
Randy Stahley, Fleming Jr./Sr. High 10
Michelle Deines, Peetz Elementary 11
Dylon Rinaldo, Peetz Jr./Sr. High 11
hear that.”
In addition to serving breakfast and lunch during the school year, for several years she also served food for the Summer Food Service Program, a joint program between RE-1 and the City of Sterling, that provides meals for all students during the summer, though she hasn’t done it the last couple of years.
She has fond memories of those first years when Kay Wernsman was RE-1’s food service director and Lee and her coworker Stephanie Monroe would hand out sack lunches at Prairie Park.
“That was the best time Stephanie and I had, we totally loved doing that It wasn’t a job, it was just an enjoyable summer,” Lee said, sharing memories of going to Walmart, who provided money to purchase things that couldn’t be purchased through the food service program, like cookies and flavored straws for kids to put in their milk.
She was also a food server for the summer reading program at Ayres.
Another highlight for Lee was many years ago when she helped serve the annual chili supper that the PTO put on to raise money. It brought in around 1,000 people every year.
“When I took over we made homemade cinnamon rolls by scratch, homemade chili, we had to sort pinto beans, that was a lot of work. I was the baker, I did all
LEE » PAGE 5
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CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
CAMPBELL ELEMENTARY
Stacey Manley has helped make her colleagues better educators
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
Campbell Elementary fourth grade teacher Stacey Manley is committed to supporting not only her students, but her colleagues as well.
“Stacey is an exceptional mentor and an outstanding leader. She consistently goes above and beyond to support others, offering guidance, encouragement, and expertise whenever it is needed. Her door is always open, and she makes time to help at any point — whether it’s instructional planning, classroom strategies, or simply providing reassurance during challenging moments,” her Crystal Apple Award nominator Taylor Wagner said.
She goes on to say that what truly sets Manley apart is her unwavering commitment to those she supports
“She leads with kindness, patience, and professionalism, cre-
Campbell.
She enjoys teaching the fourth grade level in particular because “they are more independent and still enjoy the little things that you do for them” and it’s fun to watch them grow throughout the year.
Manley strives to meet the needs of each individual student.
ating an environment where educators feel confident, valued, and empowered to grow. Her mentorship has had a lasting impact, and many of us are better educators because of her willingness to share her knowledge and experience,”
Wagner said. Manley has been teaching at Campbell since 2016. Prior to that, she lived in Georgia and taught in Florida. Her husband’s desire to live closer to his family in Colorado brought her to Sterling and
“Stacey excels at adjusting instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with IEPs, while also supporting general education teachers in implementing effective modifications. She collaborates closely with teachers to ensure accommodations are meaningful, manageable, and aligned with student goals. Her ability to break down complex IEP requirements into practical classroom strategies helps teachers feel confident and supported, and most importantly, ensures students receive the individualized instruction they need to succeed,” Wagner said It’s clear this teacher has made an impact at her school.
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Stacey Manley, fourth grade teacher at Campbell Elementary, goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues.
STERLING MIDDLE SCHOOL
Loraine Buxton helps keep school shining
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
For just shy of two decades Loraine Buxton has helped keep the hallways and classrooms at Sterling Middle School shining. Buxton started working for RE-1 Valley School District in 2006, driving a school bus, then two years later, in 2008, she was in need of health insurance and started working fulltime as a custodian at SMS She became the head custodian in 2017.
“Loraine is always so helpful and she never tells us that she doesn’t have time. She makes time! She is loving and kind to students and staff She has been at SMS for so long and she does an amazing job keeping our school clean,” her Crystal Apple Award nominator Erin Zuege said.
While Buxton is now focused on leading the custodians under her charge, before she became head custodian her days had some routineness to them but you just never knew when a student was going to throw up somewhere or do something unusual like try to pierce their tongue in the bathroom.
“I don’t know if it would be called a typical day, some days were pretty
quiet and you got your work done and then other days you depended on your coworkers to help you do what you had to do,” she said.
She is quick to point out that it’s not just her, it takes a team of good, dedicated people to keep the school shining.
“I don’t give myself all the credit, it’s who I work with, that’s who makes our school look good. Teachers need help with things, a table leg is loose. It’s not just one, it takes a crew of us to do what we have to do,” Buxton said.
One crew member in particular, Mando Flores, who has been there since she started at the school, has helped her tremendously, which is
why she calls him her right hand man.
“He deserves this award more than I do, he’ll do anything you ask him to and in another breath he’s cracking a joke but he’s always ready to go and do what I ask him to do, no matter what it is,” Buxton said
But again, it’s not just those two, it’s a team effort. In her nomination, Zuege shared that Buxton “brings so much joy with her amazing Christmas lobby decorations” but, Buxton is quick to note that it took six people to make it that way. When someone tells her “your school is so clean,” she makes sure to pass the compliment along to the night custodian who cleaned the area that person was talking about, because they’re the one who made it that way
Custodians don’t just have to clean up after students during school time. They are there to clean up after community events that are held in the auditorium and after City of Sterling youth and recreation games wrap up in the gym.
“It’s a tough job sometimes,” Buxton said, sharing that at times people and students aren’t so nice
There are times when there are things that she and the others hav-
Stephanie Kelsch is a bright light
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
After over two decades in banking Stephanie Kelsch decided to make a huge career change and move into the education field and in her short time as a high school business teacher she’s already making an impact.
“It’s rare to find someone who is new and experienced, compassionate and competitive, talented but very aware of what she needs to learn; but when you find that person, her value is undeniable. Stephanie Kelsch is that person at Ster-
ling High School. She is only in her second year of teaching coming to the gig from the business world — but you wouldn’t know it. She is an integral part of our team; she is breathing life into the student council with her leadership, rebuilding the FBLA program, and motivating students every step of the way,” her Crystal Apple Award nominator Jesseb Adam said.
Kelsch worked in the Front Range at First Bank for 25 years right out of college Her journey into the education field would start when she met her husband, Tyler Kelsch. His parents live here and he wanted to be able to be here to
take care of them.
At that time, she decided it was time for a career move and went through Northeast Colorado BOCES’ alternative licensure program, “which is an excellent program, I cannot stress how lucky we are to have that program out here,” Kelsch said.
Teaching was something that was always in the back of her mind and she was able to explore it while doing a lot of volunteer work through Junior Achievement, a partner of First Bank. Through the non-profit organization that aims to inspire and prepare young
en’t wanted to deal with, like cleaning the bathroom after the tongue piercing, but she knows and reinforces to the others in her crew that that is what they are paid to do.
Buxton and the others have had plenty of learning experiences too over the years, for example, when she hated the look of one of the bathroom floors and decided to put stripper on it. She couldn’t go back into the bathroom for quite a while because the fumes were so bad.
“We learn as we go and we learn from each other and we’ve all got each other’s back,” Buxton said.
Over the years Buxton has become more than just a custodian at the school; she is also a counselor of sorts, offering a listening ear to both the staff members and students who stop by her office frequently for a chat, asking her for advice.
She is grateful to have had good bosses over the years and she enjoys the people she works with, which is why she hasn’t had the desire to retire yet
“It’s neat to be able to walk down the hall and have teachers stop and ask your opinion and they’ll take that into consideration. They always involve us in their dinners and birthday snacks, they involve us a lot,” Buxton said.
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Loraine Buxton, head custodian at Sterling Middle School, helps keep her school shining.
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE Business teacher Stephanie Kelsch is an integral part of the Sterling High School team. KELSCH » PAGE 5
the rolls, that was my favorite, I loved the smell,” Lee said.
That’s not to say there haven’t been challenges, like during the covid pandemic, when students had to be served in both the cafeteria and gym because they couldn’t be too close together But, Lee said it really didn’t stress her out too much.
Asked what has kept her coming back year after year to fill the students’ bellies, she said she enjoys that it’s the same routine. She goes to work at 5 a.m. and is off by 1:30 p.m., which was perfect when her daughter was in school because she was able to go pick her up from school and get her to sporting events and other things. As a mom, it was also a benefit to be able to have weekends, nights and Mondays off.
She has also stayed because she loves the age group she works with “They’re very enjoyable, very fun, very funny. I’m just very for-
tunate, I thank God every day for this job.” Plus, she likes the people she works with. “When you really like the people you work for it is so enjoyable I couldn’t ask for a better (kitchen) crew. The janitors are great to us, we all get along.”
It’s clear that she has made an impact on her school.
“Beyond being a good kitchen manager, Yvonne is a great person. She really does love her job and the kids bring her a lot of joy and happiness, she really gets to know them and cares if they are having a good day or not,” Locke said, adding that “Yvonne is loyal and dedicated to her job, even when her parents and sister passed away, Yvonne took very little time off, she still showed up and did her job and did it with a smile on her face I am blessed to have a great staff in all of the buildings, they all deserve an award. I could pick them all, but this year, I thought it was a good time for Yvonne to get back just a small token for all of her years of hard work and dedication. Thank you Yvonne for being such a bright spot at Ayres.”
Kelsch
FROM PAGE 4
people to succeed in a global economy, she was able to go to Brighton High School and Wheat Ridge High School to teach financial literacy classes, which she liked a lot In the short time she’s been at SHS, she’s grown the Future Business Leaders of America chapter so substantially that it recently received the District 4 FBLA award for most increased chapter size. Of the 39 members, 25 qualified for the Colorado FBLA Conference, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, and 21 attended.
Kelsch decided to take on the student council this year when the longtime advisor stepped down. She says it’s a completely different role because it’s all encompassing at the school whereas FBLA focuses solely on the business program. The main goal for the council is to instill a culture of traditions that help students be proud of their school. To that end this year they helped with homecoming and have also
done fun things like a spin on the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors game where students had to play using beads.
“I want to give these kids the best school experience that they can have and homecoming is all about making memories, so that’s why I love the culture piece of homecoming and carrying on traditions but also giving these kids their own memories,” Kelsch said.
In just two years, she has already made quite the impact on her school.
“Stephanie is a visionary who looks for what could be, then pushes everyone around her to achieve things that others might just think are dreams. She also wades into the daily struggle that is 21st century education by covering classes, volunteering to take tickets at games, and learning new systems and strategies it seems like on a weekly basis. Mrs Kelsch is a bright light at SHS that truly gives 110% and has earned the recognition of her peers and community,” Adam said.
Kylee Blecha works to ensure students and staff are supported
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
For nearly two decades Kylee Blecha has not only helped mold young minds in RE-1 Valley School District but has served as a source of support for her colleagues.
“Kylee consistently goes above and beyond in her commitment to both students and staff at Caliche Elementary,” one of her Crystal Apple Award nominees, Timmarie Orin, said.
“Kylee is an exceptional educator who genuinely loves her students and consistently puts their needs first. She works tirelessly to ensure that every child feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Kylee takes the time to build strong relationships with her students, recognizing their individual strengths and challenges, and she tailors her approach to help each one succeed both academically and personally,” another Crystal Apple Award nominator, Jill Hill, said.
Blecha, who has been in the district for 18 years, knew from a young age, while playing school with her toys, that she wanted to be a teacher. She currently serves
CALICHE JR./SR. HIGH
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Kylee Blecha, sixth grade teacher at Caliche Elementary, goes above and beyond in her commitment to both students and staff.
as a sixth-grade teacher at Caliche Elementary, a position she’s held for five years now and prior to that she spent 12 years as a fifth grade teacher at Campbell Elementary. She enjoys the fifth/sixth grade age level because they’re still kids but they’re also becoming independent, she can joke around with them and they know when she’s serious and it’s time to get stuff done.
Blecha said it’s fun to see “their whole personality start to grow up.”
According to Hill, Blecha is highly skilled in technology and continually finds innovative ways to integrate it into her teaching.
“Her technological expertise en-
hances student engagement and learning, and she is always willing to assist colleagues by sharing ideas, troubleshooting issues, or introducing new tools that benefit the entire school. She is a true team player and a great co-worker—positive, dependable, and always willing to step in whenever help is needed,” Hill said.
Along with her teaching duties, Blecha is continually taking on additional responsibilities that support the school community, including serving as an advisor for the elementary student council, which is made up of fourth, fifth and sixth graders. In this role, she helps students develop leadership skills, responsibility and confidence.
“It’s fun seeing those kids have a bit of a leadership role and just their ideas in helping out around the school have been good,” Blecha said about her first year serving as advisor.
Additionally, she also coaches high school volleyball and junior high girls basketball, first serving as an assistant coach for five years and then moving to head coach. She enjoys the influence she can have on students by coaching them “and just knowing that I taught some of those kids and seeing the
potential to still be involved in their lives is kind of cool.”
“As the high school head volleyball head coach and junior high assistant basketball coach, Kylee mentors students through athletics, teaching teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Her influence extends far beyond wins and losses, as she consistently models integrity and commitment to her athletes,” Hill said.
Blecha also demonstrates strong leadership at both the building and district levels.
“She serves as a mentor to new teachers, actively supports professional development efforts, and represents licensed staff by communicating staff concerns, ideas, and input at the district level. Kylee’s dedication, leadership, and ongoing service to others make her highly deserving of this recognition,” Orin said.
While she enjoys supporting her colleagues, for Blecha her favorite part of the job is definitely the students
“Being with the kids is probably my favorite part, just seeing them grow and excel and when they finally catch on to the concept that you’re teaching them, you can just
Jeneva Withers serves positivity and joy from Caliche’s kitchen
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
As a cook at Caliche School Jeneva Withers not only makes sure students get fed but is also there to lend support to her fellow colleagues.
“This is Jeneva’s second year at Caliche, although her impact on our school makes it feel as though she has been here far longer. From day one, she has brought laughter, positivity, and joy to everyone she encounters Jeneva has an incredible ability to connect with both students and staff, creating relationships built on trust, kindness, and genuine care,” her Crystal Apple Award nominator Crystal Jo
Bruns said.
Prior to coming to Caliche, Withers spent two years at Fleming School. She decided to make the move to Caliche after her daughter switched to the school.
“Its been really great there. They’re a great to school to work for, very family oriented, they treat you like family there,” Withers said.
As a cook, she gets to see all ages of students, from elementary through high school and that has been something she’s really enjoyed. “It’s fun to watch them grow up,” Withers said.
This year, she stepped into additional leadership roles by joining Bruns as a junior class sponsor, “where her dedication and enthusiasm have already made a meaning-
ful difference,” Bruns said. Withers said she has had a lot of fun working with the juniors, most recently getting plans figured out for prom and working with the students at concessions at athletic events to raise funds for the class.
She is also a vital member of the school’s Sunshine Committee, playing a key role in planning and organizing creative, uplifting staff recognition events and games that strengthen morale and foster a positive school culture One of her favorite activities has been the “Get to Know You Bingo” that staff did last year, where she learned things about her colleagues she never would have expected.
Her favorite part of her job is
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Jeneva Withers helps ensure students at Caliche School don’t go hungry BLECHA » PAGE 9 WITHERS » PAGE 12
RE-1
VALLEY SCHOOLS
Diane Koester has helped shape success of RE-1’s special ed program
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
With a career spanning over four decades, Diane Koester has impacted countless lives, ensuring that all students’ needs are met
“Diane has been in this field for over 30 years and demonstrates a wealth of knowledge and experience that helps shape the success of our special education program,” one of her Crystal Apple Award nominators, Jami Coons, said “Through her mentorship of educators and her guidance in IEP
meetings, she helps ensure we are following standard protocols and that students are receiving the best services that are tailor made just for their unique needs She also provides a warm and nurturing atmosphere for students who need additional academic help through tutoring and often accommodates their need to meet after school. Diane cares deeply for students she works with and often purchases her own snacks and drinks to help them feel more comfortable and nourished. Recently, she helped organize putting together a gift basket for a student who lost a fam-
NORTHEASTERN JUNIOR COLLEGE
ily member. She makes connections easily and is always thinking of others.”
“She is consistent with her knowledgeable and informed decisions, positive when struggling through tough meetings, and always caring with students, parents, and staff,” her second Crystal Apple Award nominator, Bill Shaver, said Koester, who has been teaching since 1982, started working in RE-1 Valley in 2009 as a general education teacher at Campbell Elementary It’s a career she stumbled into by accident after working as a
» PAGE 9
— JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Diane Koester, a special education mentor in RE-1Valley School District, has transformed the district’s special education program.
Cathy Fisher has guided hundreds of adult ed students to success
By Callie Jones cjones
@prairiemountainmedia.com
For two decades Cathy Fisher has been helping students who’ve fallen through the cracks find a path to be successful in life.
“Cathy embodies what it means to go above and beyond in service to students, colleagues, and the broader community. For more than 20 years as an adult education instructor at Northeastern Junior College, she has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to empowering learners and has supported well over a thousand students as they pursue English language acquisition, digital literacy, and GED com-
pletion,” her Crystal Apple Award nominator Jamie Giacomini said.
Both of Fisher’s parents were educators — her dad taught math/science and her mom was an English language and Spanish teacher — and seeing how tough the job was, she wanted to do anything but be a teacher when she was younger. While in college, an English professor, who saw her tutoring fellow college students, told her she saw her becoming a teacher, however not teaching children but adults. Fisher, who was dead set against it, responded “yeah, whatever.”
She tried one year working in customer service for a bank and quickly found it wasn’t for her. At the time, her mom was working as
an ESL teacher at NJC, so Fisher volunteered in her classroom and then the lead ESL instructor position opened up and she jumped at the opportunity, which made her her mom’s boss.
“That was interesting,” Fisher said
For many years she was just the ESL instructor but then she became the GED examiner on campus, a position she held until it was decided it was a conflict of interest for her to hold both positions. At that time, she moved to teaching GED classes only Now, as the lead adult education instructor she teaches both, serving students in Sterling, Yuma and Holyoke. Fisher is the math ex-
FISHER » PAGE 9
Cathy Fisher, lead adult education instractor at Northeastern Junior College, has dedicated herself to empowering learners for more than 20years.
CALLIE JONES
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
KOESTER
Tracy Smart stepped up when her district needed her most
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
Tracy Smart has gone above and beyond as a teacher at Merino Schools, even stepping up to fill an important leadership role when no else would.
The Crystal Apple Award is reserved for someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty — someone who gives more than 100% to their profession and serves as a respected leader and role model. According to her award nominator, Lonnie Brungardt, Smart “exemplifies these qualities every single day.”
Smart, who is the district’s K-12 special education coordinator, knew when she was a child that she wanted to be a teacher but when she got to college she decided to get her bachelor’s degree in communication instead After not finding any jobs she liked, she decided teaching was her calling and got her alternative licensure. In 2009, she started working in RE-1 Valley School District as a life skills
HIGH SCHOOL
Tracy Smart, K-12special edication coordinator at Merino Schools, stepped up when her district needed her most.
teacher and four years ago she arrived at Merino as a Title 1 teacher.
Last summer, the district faced a significant challenge when both special education teachers left and it was unable to secure a replacement for a critical leadership position in special education. Without hesitation, Smart stepped forward and offered to take on the respon-
sibility.
“Her willingness to serve in a time of need speaks volumes about her character, dedication, and heart for students,” Brungardt said.
Smart said as August was creeping up and school was starting to get closer with no one found for the position, she began to think about it and reflect on it and decided to step up.
“I was like you know what, it makes sense for me to take this position, I’m licensed, I know the kids already, I know the staff, it just seemed like it was kind of meant to be. So, I went to Mr. B before school started and I said ‘you know what Lonnie I’d be more than happy to do this for you,’” she said.
Though initially she hadn’t thought about taking on the position, she is now really enjoying it and plans to stay.
“I do love this school, I love it a lot, my kids go here and it’s just a great place to work,” Smart said.
Since accepting her new role, Brungardt said she has been a tremendous asset to the district’s administrative team.
“She now oversees all paraprofessional schedules and job duties across the district, ensuring our staff are supported and our students receive consistent, high-quality services. She works closely with Northeast Colorado BOCES to coordinate IEP meetings, 504 plans, and outside service providers for students with special needs, managing complex timelines and compliance requirements with professionalism and care,” Brungardt noted.
He describes her as an exceptional communicator, who builds strong, trusting relationships with staff and parents alike Someone who is organized, thoughtful, and highly effective in managing her time and responsibilities.
“More importantly, she leads with humility and compassion. Colleagues look up to her, not just for her competence, but for her integrity and servant leadership,” Brungardt said.
Smart is quick to point out that she couldn’t do what she does without her colleagues, particularly
SMART » PAGE 12
Merino High School is stronger because of Bryan Dermer’s dedication
By Callie Jones cjones
@prairiemountainmedia.com
For nearly three decades Bryan Dermer has been an integral part of Merino High School, holding several different roles including his current position of career counselor
“Bryan plays an essential role in our school community He manages all student scheduling, oversees scholarship opportunities, coordinates both state and school-level assessments, and handles concurrent enrollment with remarkable organization and accuracy His work directly impacts student success, and he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every student is supported,” his Crystal Apple Award nominator Mike Holloway said.
After high school, Dermer at-
tended Northeastern Junior College and University of Northern Colorado. After getting his degree, it was a natural choice for him to return home to Merino Schools, which he attended from elementary through high school. His family has a long legacy at Merino; in fact in 2027 there will have been 100 years of Demers in the school district, whether as faculty or as students. His father attended the school and spent 25 years on the school board, his brother’s children and his own children have all attended school there and his sister-in-law taught there for a time.
“I just love the community, I love the school, I love the students that we have here There’s always challenges but it’s been a very easy and fulfilling place to work. I enjoy working with the students, seeing those students succeed in everything that they’re trying to do
Bryan Dermer, current career counselor and former athletic director at Merino High School, has played an essential role in the school community for 28years.
through their career It’s just an easy place to be, I’ve really enjoyed it,” Dermer said.
He has been at Merino for 28 years now. Dermer first spent nine years teaching social studies and coaching, then the superintendent at the time approached him about the previous athletic director retiring and asked if he would be interested in the position. Immediately he said yes and at first he thought he would still teach too but then the superintendent came to him again and said the guidance counselor was going to retire and asked if he would be interested in that position too, he was
He served as athletic director for 19 years before deciding to leave that position at the end of last school year. In 2019, he was recognized as CHSAA Athletic Director of the Year Class 1A.
“It was very challenging but there were a lot of rewards by doing both,” Dermer said, about juggling
MERINO
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Blecha
FROM PAGE 6
see that lightbulb and suddenly something makes sense,” she said.
It’s clear that Blecha is making a strong impact in her school.
“Kylee Blecha’s passion for education, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to students make her an invaluable asset to our school community. She goes above and beyond in every role she takes on, and her positive impact is felt by students, staff, and families alike For these reasons, Kylee is highly deserving of the Crystal Apple Award,” Hill said.
“She is an excellent teacher, coworker, and coach. She is dedicated, inspiring and supportive,” a third Crystal Apple Award nominee, Betsy Bogie, said “Kylee goes above and beyond to support our students, staff, and all things Caliche. Whether in her classroom, or on the court, she believes in her students and players, and encourages them to be their best always. She has high expectations, and a tough love approach, that is appreciated by all.”
“She is helpful in finding solutions to problems, shares her ideas, and is always there to bounce ideas off of. Kylee is well deserving of the Crystal Apple Award,” Bogie added.
Dermer
FROM PAGE 8
two positions at the same time.
While it was very time consuming, there was also lots of joy, particularly watching the athletic success Merino has seen in recent years. He is quick to credit the coaches and teachers with helping the students be so successful.
For Dermer, his favorite part of the job is “building relationship with students and helping them to achieve their goals of getting a high school education and getting that diploma and then helping them to achieve what they want to try to do after they graduate from high school, whether it be going into the workforce or some type of trade
school or college.”
There is no question Dermer has made a lasting impact at the school
“What truly sets Bryan apart is the care and intentionality he brings to meeting individual student needs. He takes the time to understand each student’s goals, strengths, challenges, and personal circumstances, and he thoughtfully tailors their schedules to meet individual academic needs and future plans. Whether a student is preparing for college, pursuing career and technical pathways, or needing extra support to stay on track for graduation, Bryan works tirelessly to create opportunities for them to thrive Students and families trust him because they know he is genuinely advocating for what is best for each individual,” Holloway said.
Koester
FROM PAGE 7
teacher’s aide in her church’s religions education program and found she really enjoyed working with kids. Then her high school had a program where students could do on-the-job training and she worked as a paraprofessional in a preschool and really liked it What solidified the career choice for her was her volunteer work with the Special Olympics.
“I haven’t had any regrets, it’s been a good fit for me and hopefully I’ve done something good for my students too,” Koester said.
Throughout her career she has taught elementary and intervention, working with general education students, as well as special education students.
“No matter who I’ve taught, I’ve found something really special and wonderful no matter what kids I was with. No matter who I’m working with and I’ve taught kindergarten through 12th grade, there’s something I enjoy about every age I’ve worked with and
about every kind of student I’ve worked with,” Koester said.
In 2016, she planned to retire but then her special education director informed her that the district’s special ed teacher mentor, who worked two days a week, was retiring and asked if she would be interested in filling the position She wasn’t quite ready to sit around the house yet, so she said yes. The position has since become a full-time job, as she’s not only mentoring other teachers but working with 6th-12th grade students across the district, helping teachers with proficiency testing, helping with the homebound students who can’t come to school for some reason, etc
While her job does involve a lot of paperwork, it’s worth it for her. She particularly enjoys the interactions she gets to have with students, whether when testing them or just working with them, and her interactions with her colleagues.
“The teachers I’ve gotten to mentor are just full of ideas, they’re just amazing people, I’ve enjoyed working with all of them, we’ve become good friends. It’s been great,” Koester said.
pert in the program now, but she also teaches reading comprehension, grammar, science and social studies.
“We’ve had a pretty good year this year, lots of people closing in on getting their GED,” Fisher said. Her impact is measurable not only in numbers, but in truly life changing outcomes.
“Over the course of her tenure, she has guided hundreds of students toward meaningful success. Some ESL learners have progressed through the program to become qualified for part-time paraprofes-
sional positions within the local school district, then continued advancing their credentials by earning full teaching licensure and ultimately securing full-time positions as licensed teachers in the same district,” Giacomini said. “In another remarkable example, a GED student completed the program under Cathy’s guidance with honors level scores, went on to graduate from NJC with a degree in welding, and later transferred to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in manufacturing and welding. These achievements are powerful examples of what is possible when an educator fully believes in her students and consistently challenges them to believe in themselves.”
FLEMING ELEMENTARY
Jennifer Muller helps students thrive academically, emotionally
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
As a paraprofessional at Fleming School Jennifer Muller goes to great lengths to help ensure students’ needs are met both in and outside of the classroom.
“She has been a one-on-one para to several students. She goes above and beyond showing care and dedication to our students here She understands students’ interests and will go out of her way to purchase items students need, whether learning materials, behavior/incentive charts, or birthday presents,” one of her Crystal Apple Award nominators, Arika Lippstrew, said.
“While mainly working with elementary students, as well as junior high and high school students, she exhibits a ‘tough-love’ approach, yet also shows a caring loving attitude. Jennifer is dependable, more than willing to do whatever teachers ask
FLEMING JR./SR. HIGH
of her She has a passion for helping students learn academically, as well as emotionally. One can surmise after observing Jennifer, she has a love for students,” another nominator, Ellen Lippstrew, said.
“She supports students in a very patient, caring manner. Ms. Muller helps students stay organized and on-task during classroom in-
struction, providing assistance as needed She helps redirect behavior and supports students’ emotional regulation, keeping students and their classmates safe and able to learn. She encourages and supports students with their peer interactions too, helping them form friendships with others,” a third award nominator, Amy Brekel, said Muller has worked as a para at Fleming since 2016. She started her career in education as a sign language interpreter at First Christian Church’s preschool, then transitioned to become a speech aid for RE-1 Valley School District and spent a couple of years at Iliff Head Start. After 10 years, Fleming has her heart because all of her children graduated from there She knew at a young age that she wanted to work in education.
“I always pretended to be a teacher when I was little, it seemed to come pretty naturally to work with kids,” Muller said.
So naturally that in addition to working in schools, she has also raised 10 children, one who is in Heaven and the rest still living, and they’ve blessed her with 20 grandchildren.
Asked why she chose to remain a para and not become a teacher, she said it wasn’t a conscious choice.
“I just found that it would be a good fit for me. It has its perks, I don’t have to do the lesson planning, I don’t have to do the hard work that teachers have to do, which bless their hearts for doing all of that, and I get to work with some really cool kids in special education. I just enjoy the challenge that that presents,” Muller said.
Right now, she is just working with a couple of different students but over the years she has worked with all age levels from preschool to high school.
“That’s what makes it interesting and fun is that I get a little taste
Randy Stahley is an unwavering champion for school community
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
In the course of his over 40 years in the education field Randy Stahley has touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands of students
As one of two academic advisors at Fleming School, Stahley “consistently goes above and beyond in his service to students, colleagues, and the school community, giving far more than what is required of him each and every day,” one of his Crystal Apple Award nominators, Kortney Firme, said, adding that he brings a level of commitment and care that truly sets him apart “Whether stepping in to cover classrooms when substitute coverage is limited, providing individualized tutoring and academic support, mentoring colleagues who are new to the profession, or helping students navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges of high school and what lies beyond, he is always there — without hes-
Randy Stahley, academic advisor at Fleming High School, has been helping students in northeast Colorado prepare for the future for over 40years.
itation and without being asked.”
“I have had the unique pleasure and honor of knowing Mr Randy Stahley from every angle: as his student, his coworker, and his daughter Throughout his career spanning more than 40 years, he has consistently fostered deep relationships with the community, staff, and students,” a second Crys-
tal Apple Award nominator, Kamie Lambrecht, said, adding “Randy is an unwavering champion for the schools and communities he serves.”
Stahley has been at Fleming School for 13 years now. Prior to joining the Wildcats, he worked at Sterling High School, St. Anthony’s and Northeastern Junior College At all of those schools he’s worn many hats, according to Lambrecht, from PR, fundraising, and networking, to mediating and mentoring fellow teachers.
A four-decade career in education was not something Stahley envisioned from himself when he was younger. He thought he wanted to farm despite a push by Jack Annan, better known as Mr. NJC, to get him to go to NJC to become an ag teacher. At first Stahley turned him down, at the time of his high school graduation he already had sugar beets planted and come harvest he spent “12 hours a day digging sugar beets and then 14 hours a day working on that beet digger.”
Then in November, Annan approached him yet again, asking if he was ready to go back to school Stahley hadn’t really thought about it, but when Annan brought it up he decided maybe that was the path he should take. Annan got him into classes at NJC that January and with that his journey in the education field began.
When he arrived at Fleming, he started out as the ag teacher and when his body started wearing out he didn’t retire but instead decided to make the switch to become academic advisor
“Being a good ag teacher you’re doing those things any way, so when that position came open the superintendent thought I would be a good fit and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Stahley said.
He has enjoyed getting to be a part of countless students’ lives, in some cases generations of families. Stahley also feels fortunate to have had the opportunity over the years to watch students grow — in
» PAGE 12 STAHLEY » PAGE 12
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Jennifer Muller, a paraprofessional at Fleming School, works to ensure students’ needs are met.
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
MULLER
Michelle Deines goes above and beyond as a para
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
With a background in healthcare, Michelle Deines is fairly new to education but loving the change and already making a large impact at Peetz School.
“Michelle Deines is an exceptional lower elementary paraprofessional who consistently goes above and beyond in her role. She works incredibly hard each day and brings a positive, welcoming energy into the classroom, always greeting students and staff with a smile. Michelle has a natural ability to connect with younger students, showing patience, kindness, and genuine care while helping them feel safe, supported, and successful,” her Crystal Apple Award nominators Jeff Durbin and Kelley Hessler said.
Now in her fourth year at Peetz, Deines decided to make the switch to working in the education field
JR./SR. HIGH
fessional she mainly helps out in kindergarten through third grade classrooms. That age group was particularly appealing to her because they’re still trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in the world and she enjoys trying to help them figure some of that out.
them, it sounds cliché but I would die for those kids, they’re so sweet, they’re so innocent, they have so much potential,” Deines said.
because she wanted to have the same schedule as her children, who attend Peetz School. It was a return home for her, as she is a Peetz graduate herself, along with her husband and brother. When she and her husband had children they knew they wanted them to go to school at Peetz, so the opportunity for her to work as a para there was perfect.
As a lower elementary parapro-
“School is still fairly new to them and if I can help them in any way I’m always happy to help whether it’s educationally or emotionally,” Deines said, explaining that she doesn’t want them to think of her as just another teacher, she wants to be someone that they trust to go to if they’re struggling “I hope that they feel comfortable coming to me for whatever question, whether it’s educational, like ‘I don’t understand this math problem,’ or ‘hey, I’m worried about this at home’ or anything like that.”
Her favorite part of the job is hands down the students she gets to work with.
“I absolutely love the kids, I really do, I would do anything for
Talk to her for even just a short time and it’s clear that she loves what she does. While at times she has thought about making the transition to becoming a full fledged teacher, in the end she has decided she is happy right where she’s at.
“I hope I’m making a difference,” Deines said.
Talk to her colleagues and it’s clear that she is.
“She is dependable, flexible, and always willing to step in wherever she is needed, no matter the task. Her strong work ethic, teamwork and willingness to lend a helping hand make her an invaluable asset to our school. Michelle’s dedication and commitment do not go unnoticed, and Peetz School is truly fortunate to have her. Thank you for all you do and for the heart you bring to our school community!” Durbin and Hessler said.
Dylon Rinaldo’s helps students in the classroom and on the field
By Callie Jones cjones @prairiemountainmedia.com
Relatively new to Peetz School, Dylon Rinaldo is already making an impact with a dedication that extends far beyond the classroom and the field.
“With the same precision he brings to teaching equations, he leads our athletic programs with integrity, fairness, and heart. His commitment to both academics and athletics has shaped wellrounded students and a stronger school community, and we are deeply grateful for his lasting impact,” his Crystal Apple Award nominators Jeff Durbin and Kelly Hessler said.
Now in his fourth year at Peetz, the high school math teacher and athletic director didn’t always know he wanted to go into education as a career. In fact, after earning a bachelor’s degree in nutri-
path to allow me to be successful in teaching right away,” he said.
ing and AD duties but it has been worth it.
tion and exercise science, he spent time working on wind towers and at Cabela’s. When the math position opened up at Peetz, Rinaldo, who is a Merino High School graduate, went through Northeast Colorado BOCES’ alternative licensure program to earn his initial teaching license and he credits that program with being able to get into the teaching field “pretty easily.”
“They provided a good start or
Rinaldo said the position at Peetz intrigued him because he enjoys teaching math, he had a great math teacher at Merino, it was his favorite subject growing up and comes easiest to him and also because the position came with the potential to coach in the future and take over as athletic director. He was interested because he was already coaching football and baseball and enjoyed it but also because the idea of being able to contribute to and guide the athletic program as a whole was intriguing to him
“I’m looking forward to the future with kids and getting them down the right path with athletics,” Rinaldo said.
This school year was his first year handling AD duties on his own; previously he had help from the former athletic director, Scott Sorensen, and he says it is definitely challenging balancing both teach-
For Rinaldo, who hopes to be at Peetz for many years to come, his favorite part of the job is simply being at the school and interacting with the students, both high school and junior high levels, and trying to guide them in the right direction. He also appreciates the opportunity to be at the same school that his children attend.
“I enjoy it. It was a great life transition,” Rinaldo said about making the move to a career in education working at Peetz.
His colleagues at Peetz are just as grateful he made that transition.
“He is incredibly devoted to his students, always going above and beyond to assist them and meet their needs. He spends countless hours at athletic events, doing his best to make sure everything is set up and running smoothly. Peetz School is incredibly lucky to have him!” Durbin and Hessler said.
PEETZ
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Michelle Deines, paraprofessional at Peetz School, is an invaluable asset to her school.
CALLIE JONES — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE
Dylon Rinaldo helps students at Peetz School be successful.
FROM PAGE 10
of everything, rather than staying in one set classroom all day long,” Muller said about getting to work with all different age levels.
Her favorite part of the job is most definitely the people she gets to be around.
“The staff is amazing here and the students are outgoing, fun, respectful and so it’s a great environment to work in. You feel so supported here and appreciated. Some places you’re a blip on a screen and here everybody tells you how appreciated you are, that makes a person feel good,” Muller said.
Her colleagues can’t say enough about just how much she does to support students. Arika Lippstrew noted that when older students have to give speeches, Muller is first to bring in her own clothing or shoes for those who don’t have a means to dress up as their own character.
“She is very giving and selfless, ensuring that all students succeed. I have seen her go out of her way several times to help students who can’t afford to buy the materials they need for school projects,” Lippstrew said, noting that over the years in addition to the students she’s assigned to, she has also taken other students under her wing to help them with their learning. “She
wants to see everyone succeed. Our school is blessed to have her knowledge and experience, but most importantly her heart.”
“She knows the unique interests of her students and incorporates that as motivation for the students, plus giving them birthday gifts they love. Her positive attitude brightens everyone’s day! Students truly miss her when she can’t be there,” Brekel said
In addition to her support for students, colleagues are grateful for the support she provides them.
“Ms. Muller is an amazing support for teachers. Because of the way she naturally knows how to work with students, she takes a huge load off of teachers’ shoulders We can focus on teaching When her students are working independently out of class, Jennifer doesn’t hesitate to help out in any way she can in the classroom. She jumps in to help any student in need, and those students enjoy getting an opportunity to work with Ms. Muller,” Brekel said. “She is a good sport about helping out in the cafeteria or having recess duty. When she must be gone, she leaves detailed plans for her substitute and offers her number should they have questions. Our administration makes a point to have other paras who are new shadow Jennifer, because she does such an excellent job! Fleming School is very fortunate to have such a high caliber para as Jennifer Muller.”
Stahley
FROM PAGE 10
some instances all the way from preschool through high school — and see them “go out into society and be productive, happy adults.”
Getting to see what students become after they leave high school whether it’s a doctor, a veterinarian, a lawyer, a farmer, a rancher, whatever it is, that’s what’s kept him wanting to be in education for so many years.
“Maybe the most fun part is visiting with them about what they want to become, what they’re interested in, helping them find that passion and letting them develop it,” Stahley said.
While many people might talk about how much education has changed over the course of 40 years, Stahley says that’s not actually true.
“Education hasn’t changed, it really hasn’t, society has changed but our job as educators is to greet the child at the door where they’re at and move them forward to be independent, happy, successful people,” he said.
the natural light coming in and the open spaces where kids can gather. I think it creates a whole new atmosphere for the school. We’re in need,” Stahley said. He is truly a light for those around him, both students and colleagues.
“One trait that truly sets him apart is his ability to create a sanctuary for his students. His classroom is a landing ground, a safe place where students genuinely want to be. He possesses a rare gift connecting with young people, making them feel seen and valued. This empathy extends to his colleagues as well; in high-conflict situations, Randy is always the voice of reason. He is an empathetic mediator who listens to all sides and consistently navigates toward a ‘win-win’ solution,” Lambrecht said.
the paras, “they are the backbone of this school and help me out so much and make sure things are getting done and students are getting seen and I couldn’t do it without them.”
Before she took the job, she didn’t realize how many special education students Merino had, over 50, a surprise given that it’s a pretty small school. To help lighten the load, Merino is looking for one more special education teacher for next year.
While her new job duties don’t allow her to spend as much time with students as she once did, she is thrilled when she gets the opportunity.
“I love their personalities. I
just think they are so much fun. I love how we can just see such good growth with them and I love the challenge as well of figuring out what’s going to work best for kids to see that growth and make growth,” Smart said.
Her favorite part of her job is working with the students when she gets the chance and working with the staff.
“I love the staff here, the staff and the kids make the job worthwhile,” Smart said.
Her colleagues appreciate her just as much and are forever grateful she stepped up to fill a crucial role
“Tracy stepped up when we needed her most—and she has exceeded every expectation She is deeply admired, widely respected, and truly deserving of the Crystal Apple Award,” Brungardt said.
When he’s not busy helping students decide what they want to become, you can find him helping out with the Logan County Farmer’s Market put on every summer by the Fleming FFA and more recently he’s been part of the school district’s capital campaign committee, seeking to raise funds for the school’s proposed renovation and addition project as well as other projects.
“What a challenge that is but the Fleming community, the Fleming children deserve that, need that You go into these other new schools…I was in Peetz recently and you look at how nice that is,
Withers
FROM PAGE 6
without a doubt the people that she gets to work with.
“They’ve all been so welcoming and just really nice,” Withers said, adding that students have been great too, “they’re all so sweet and kind.”
Though she hasn’t been at Caliche very long, it’s clear she has al-
Firme agreed, adding “what makes Randy so exceptional is not only what he does but how he does it. Students trust him, colleagues rely on him, and the entire school benefits from his steady presence, compassion, and problem-solving mindset. He approaches every situation with professionalism, empathy, and an unwavering focus on what is best for students.
Lambrecht added that as an academic advisor at Fleming, Stahley continues to go above and beyond
“While many see the visible work he does, most do not realize the hours he dedicates to facilitating the student work-study program. He doesn’t just assign students jobs; he sets them up for success, conducting weekly site visits and often helping them secure permanent employment after graduation. He is truly a servant and that is why I am honored to nominate him for a Crystal Apple Award this year,” she said.
ready made an impact.
“On a personal level, Jeneva has been an indispensable source of support over the past year In moments of stress or burnout, she brings encouragement, humor, and perspective, making it enjoyable to come to work even on the hardest days She is far more than a colleague or friend — she is truly family. Jeneva’s commitment, heart, and positive spirit make her exceptionally deserving of this recognition,” Bruns said.