Thompson Education Foundation (TEF) honored excellence in education with the recognition of seven Thompson School District staff members during the Foundation’s 16th annual Educator Appreciation Breakfast and Educator of the Year awards at Embassy Suites Loveland on Wednesday, April 3. An audience of nearly 600 staff and community members gathered to celebrate all educators in the district and discover who was selected in the six award categories.
Ninety-seven educators were honored with nominations from coworkers, parents, students and community members. The nominations were evaluated by the Educator of the Year committee, nominee supervisors and the Thompson Education Foundation Board of Directors for excellence in education through their ability to empower, challenge, and inspire. Criteria for selection for the awards included a candidate’s dedication to their work, a high level of skill, and the ability to inspire those they interact with in the course of their work.
- TSD Staff Members of the Year
- Raquell Castillo, Social Worker, Mountain View High School
- Sarah Rosenberry, Principal Secretary, Ferguson High School and Thompson Career Campus
- Rookie Teacher of the Year
- Jessi Chollet, Math Teacher, Mountain View High School
- Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Scott Scheese, 3rd grade Teacher, Big Thompson Elementary School
- Secondary Teacher of the Year
- Lisa Harrison, Learning Center Teacher, Thompson Valley High School
- Principal of the Year
- Mary Lain, Assistant Principal, Mountain View High School
- TEF Educator of the Year
- Kim Tymkowych, Principal, Winona Elementary School
Each recipient received a glass award and a $250 gift card from TEF’s board of directors. The Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins provided a 2-night stay, $250 in dining credit and free parking to the overall TEF Educator of the Year winner.
Educator Appreciation Breakfast Sponsors
- Presenting Sponsor
- Bank of Colorado
- Leadership Sponsors
- Ent Credit Union
- Foothills Credit Union
- Kaiser Permanente
- Xfinity
- Table Sponsors
- Bryan Construction
- Centerra/McWhinney
- Good Samaritan Loveland Village
- Stifel
- Sweetheart City Living
- Educator of the Year Sponsor
- The Elizabeth Hotel
- Support Sponsors
- Rowes Flowers
- UCHealth
About Thompson Education Foundation (TEF)
Since 1989, TEF has served students and educators in Thompson School District by providing exceptional educational experiences and opportunities. The Foundation supports over 70 programs, activities, and scholarships as the support partner for TSD, serving students in Loveland, Berthoud, south Fort Collins and outlying communities.
For more information, contact Executive Director Kim Akeley-Charron at (970) 613-5074.