2021 Everyday Superhero Nominees

HEATHER SWANSON

Roosevelt Elementary School (Mandan) “Heather and so many teachers stepped up and continue to step up for the kids of ND! I can not thank all of them enough but particularly proud of my little sister for being an Everyday Superhero for her students and her own kids!” –Nominated by Chad Oban

JULIE HETLAND

Clara Barton Elementary (Fargo) “As an Office Assistant, Julie’s job involves answering the phones and taking care of some of the other tasks needed to make the building function. On top of that when a student comes to the office she is like a mom to many students.” – Nominated by Scott Hanson

ERIN OVERMOE

Cavalier Elementary School “Erin is a beacon of light and positivity towards the staff in the building and she always goes the extra mile for the students in her classroom.” – Nominated by Alicia Greenwood

BETH ANDERSON

Robert Miller Elementary (Bismarck) “Beth Anderson is surely a super hero. She has been dealing with a brain tumor for about a year and shares her journey with family and friends.” – Nominated by Corinne Welder

HARRY SUMMERS

Minot Public Schools Students in Transition Assistant Coordinator (NDU Retired) “After retiring from a 29-year career

teaching first grade, Harry just felt her work was not done yet. So she is now in her second career, helping families who are homeless or in food shortages, and therefore have trouble learning or keeping up in school.” – Nominated by Nel Summers

ANDREA WEIKUM

Horizon Middle School (Bismarck) “Mrs. Weikum is my 6th grade English teacher. She is always kind and she is always ready to help with anything. She is the best teacher any person could ask for. When I wanted to do a special project she took time out of her day to help me accomplish it. Her superpower is love and compassion for her students.” – Nominated by Nevaeh Rode

LINDSEY BRAVENDER

Flasher Public School “There is nothing Lindsey wouldn’t do for her school and kiddos! She tirelessly advocates for students, she volunteers to organize student activities that help make school “fun”, she helps out in classrooms by subbing as needed (sometimes even for weeks at a time), and if there is something to do at Flasher School, Lindsey is there!!!” – Nominated by Nancy Malm

DAVID WOODS II

Wahpeton High School “David believes representation matters and he wants his children — all children — to see people of color in leadership positions making a difference. He’s a man of action, a difference maker. A super hero.” – Nominated by Heather Woods

DAKOTA WHITE

Eastwood Elementary (West Fargo) “Dakota is a dedicated teacher who greets her students with a smile everyday. Students and parents love her and know she will always have her students’ best interest at heart.” – Nominated by Judy Kvaale

HEATHER WOODS

Wahpeton High School “Heather is an innovator in the classroom, often utilizing technology to have Wahpeton alumni, political figures, and authors discuss ideas with current students.” – Nominated by David Woods

KATHY DEMERS

Grafton Public Schools

“Kathy is an incredible role model for others and always willing to help a student in need. In addition to her invaluable commitment to students she also is Grafton Public Schools’ very own Grinch and loves spreading her holiday cheer at Christmas time!” – Nominated by Darcy Eszlinger

STEVE LUGER

Lincoln Elementary School

“Mr. Luger’s superpower is his ability to bring the best out of every student he’s ever encountered. To help them succeed, to achieve their goals, and help them grow into their own self.” – Nominated by Darlyne Luger

HEATHER HAGENS

Lewis and Clark Elementary (Mandan)

“Heather always finds a way to connect socially and emotionally with each and every one of her students. Hugs, high fives, and laughter are given out by the hundreds every single day.” – Nominated by Megan Weigel

JESSICA KALLENBACH

Fargo North

“She is a teacher at North, but she is also a very kind mother. My mom cares for me in every way. She also goes above and beyond everyday for our community as a teacher. My mom loves to donate her time and money to charities. Our family has a tradition of having a lemonade stand on one week in the summer to raise money for the animal shelter.” – Nominated by Ben Kallenbach

JERYL THOMPSON

Drayton

“Dear Mr. Thompson, As a role-model for me, it makes it easy for me to put time in and try to be a good teacher when I see you do it so well. I think back and consider the positive impact you have made on hundreds or thousands of peoples’ lives. I wish to emulate that. Maybe someday I will hear, “That Marcus Tucker is a lot like Murph Thompson.” That would be the greatest compliment I could ever receive.” – Nominated by Marcus Tucker

JOLENE HERMANSON

Grafton Public Schools

“Jolene is an amazing teacher who is invested not only in the character development of her students but also exciting their enjoyment for learning and discovery! She goes above and beyond for her students and brings an awareness of learning and life skills to her lessons.” – Nominated by Darcy Eszlinger