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End-of-the-year recognitions are looking a little different this year, including the annual Barb Bossu Volunteer Spirit Awards sponsored by Lakota’s District Parent Council (DPC). The annual ceremony honors a special volunteer from each school, as well as a volunteer that has made a big impact across the district. The ceremony was originally planned to take place in April.
Since 1990, the Lakota district has honored volunteers in memory of a dedicated Lakota parent, Barb Bossu, whose untimely passing in 1989 was mourned by all in our school community. The Barb Bossu Volunteer Spirit Award is given to volunteers in recognition of their positive spirit, dedication to students and generosity of time and talent.
“While it’s disappointing that we cannot come together to celebrate our amazing volunteers, we know that the most important thing we can do for our schools and community right now is to stay at home,” said Lisa Phair, Lakota DPC Chair. “We look forward to when we can come together to honor those who give unselfishly, to our students and our schools.”
DPC still hopes to hold the ceremony this fall (pending guidelines issued by the state), but the group wanted to share the winners with the Lakota community as this school year comes to a close.
DPC is proud to announce Shantelle Oyako as the 2019-2020 District Barb Bossu winner. From starting a food pantry in her car (which inspired pantries throughout the district) to creating Woodland Elementary’s “Get to School Club” (an all-inclusive organization where students are motivated by their peers and teachers to go to school and get an education), Shantelle works selflessly and inspires others.
Below are all of the Barb Bossu winners; click here to read bios about each individual and the contributions they have made.
Creekside ECS: Heather Davis
Heritage ECS: Jessica Carter
Hopewell ECS: Amanda Wilson
Liberty ECS: Kayti Kennard
Shawnee ECS: Amy Meyer
Wyandot ECS: Shannon Hemsick
Adena Elementary: Linda Swiatek
Cherokee Elementary: Stephanie Patterson
Endeavor Elementary: Julie Gryder
Freedom Elementary: Jane Jones
Independence Elementary: Jennifer Smith
Union Elementary: Alex Ince
VanGorden Elementary: Kelly Hoffman
Woodland Elementary: Carrie Lamping
Hopewell Junior: Susanne Page
Liberty Junior: Katie Kunz
Plains Junior: Jennifer Collier
Ridge Junior: Melissa St. Clair
Lakota East Freshman: Lisa Bohorfoush
Lakota East Main: Darla Higgins
Lakota West Freshman: Lesley Ferguson
Lakota West Main: Scott Vonderhaar
District: Shantelle Oyaku