The winners, along with 26 other LCSD1 staff members, were nominated by their fellow staff, their students or other community members for displaying a level of professionalism and dedication worthy of this award. The ESPY award has two divisions: the Student Support award is given to a staff member who works with students as their primary duty, while the District Support award is given to a staff member who supports LCSD1 by other means.

Pfoor was selected as the Student Support Person of the Year for her tireless efforts to serve the students of McCormick Junior High. According to her nomination form, even though Pfoor does not directly work with every student, nearly every student at McCormick knows and seeks her support, approval and guidance.

“It is impossible to measure the significance of an impact on a student life,” her nomination form states, “but when I consider the ways in which Heidi has supported students at McCormick Junior High, I am certain she has not only saved but improved countless lives.”

The District Support award was given to Gains due to her effectiveness in supporting Triumph High staff and her personal policy of treating staff and students with dignity and respect.

“Without Wendy, we wouldn’t be able to meet the needs of the students,” the form states. “(She) sees into the future and knows what needs to be completed before a teacher or student asks. She is always one step ahead of us.”

Pfoor and Gains were selected from five finalists, which included Christine Fitzgerald, a library paraeducator at Arp Elementary; Andria Mason, a secretary at Central High; and Carolyn Peterson, a special education paraeducator at Triumph High.

Also nominated were April Barker, Jaclyn Baxter, Misty Binstock, Sydney Brennecke, Gardenia Castro, Jill Curry, Megan Elkins, Caroline Enns, April Eslick, Stacey Ferguson, Kim Harrison, Fredrick Hurlburt, Kristin Layman, Karen Low, Renee Lumaye, Nichole Lyon, Zanyaille Lyons, Maggie Peel, Kathy Ponder, Brenda Schroeder, Gardner Skillern, Amanda Wilson and Amanda Wolff.

LCSD1 thanks all of these nominees for their fantastic work. The LCSD1 Board of Trustees will recognize the ESPY nominees during their May 5 meeting.