Waseca teachers celebrate awards, accomplishments

The Waseca teachers’ education association banquet at The Mill the evening of May 27 celebrated accomplishments, anniversaries and retirements among staff members in the Waseca school system.

 

Teachers named Association member Jake Nelson as their “Teacher of the Year.”  Nelson graduated from Waseca High School, then returned to serve as a teacher for 33 years before being selected as the Junior Senior High School Dean of Students nine years ago.

 

Nelson spoke energetically. He began by claiming that, when he began his career as a teacher, “I was a complete buffoon.” Back then, he admitted, he might have claimed being named teacher of the year was an indicator he is successful as a teacher.

 

But in fact, he went on to say, teachers who wish to be successful will be consistent about building and maintaining relationships–both with their peers and with students.

 

It was his relationships with coworkers, he said, which helped him overcome being a “buffoon” by watching what experienced teachers did and by asking for guidance.

 

He said building relationships can allow the sophomore “who swore at you” to become a graduate “crying on your shoulder” out of gratitude.

 

“These moments mean more than any plaque,” Nelson said of his experiences. “Building relationships means showing up, caring about kids, and caring about each other.”

 

Katie Gonzales of State Farm Insurance of Waseca was celebrated as the Teacher Association “Friend of Education.”  She was introduced by Junior Senior High School phy ed teacher Connolly Turek, who cited her volunteer work, willingness to help with initiatives, and her contributions as a business professional which make her “someone Waseca simply counts on.” Turek stated he has found Gonzalez to be “confident, energetic, dependable, genuine, kind and generous.”

 

In her acceptance speech, Gonzalez revealed she had earned a degree in elementary education in college. Though she did not become a teacher, she said she lives by principles taught to her by her own family and by her instructors across her school career. After mentioning a string of  individual teachers for their contributions, Gonzalez said, “Waseca Public Schools helped shape who I am today,” and for that reason along with many others, she prioritizes “giving back to the community.”

 

Ruth Hines, who helps in the media centers of both the intermediate and high school, was named as the association’s support staff of the year.

 

Graduating high school senior Allen Kopetzki was recognized for his service as a student representative to the school board from 2024 to 2026.

 

Retiring teachers Lori Miller and Kari Zafft were presented with handheld bells. Miller has been a physical education teacher for 35 years, 33 of them in the Waseca district. Kindergarten teacher Zafft spent her entire 37-year career in Waseca. Also receiving a bell was Mike Buker, head building custodian at the junior senior high school, who has been with the district for 38 years.

 

Also retiring from the district are Patricia Larkin (30 years), Dawn Barrie (29 years), Deb Nelson (23 years), Cindy Ruedy (17 years), Sharon Bothun (8 years), Julia Deetz (5 years) and Bonnie Kyte (4 years).

 

Teachers John Hanson and Gwen Krueger were recognized for 35 years in the district; Jennifer Follstad-Popp and Amy Krautkremer for 25 years; Erica Hofmeister, Heidi McCabe, Anne Mitchell, LuAnn Ross, Eric Teders and Brad Wendland were honored for being Education Association members in the district for 20 years. Anastasia Garza has been with the district for 15 years. Katie Kasendorf, Claire Duncan, Amanda Anenson, Seth Anderson, Brenda Nelson and Anthony Seid were recognized for being association members for 10 years; Stephanie Baima, Julia Deetz, Tanah Janike, Lizeth Martinez-Ayala, Olivia Marth and Kiley Worke were recognized for five years as members.