October Fantastic 49 Honorees Radiate Excellence

District 49 hosted October’s Fantastic 49 celebration on October 9 before the monthly Board of Education meeting.

The first honoree of the evening was George Blouin, a parent volunteer at Vista Ridge High School.

“I couldn’t do half of the things that I do with the marching band and the winter guard program without this man standing next to me,” said Andrew King, VRHS Band Director.

For eight years, Blouin has designed props, chaperoned, drove equipment trucks and helped to prepare food.

The next honoree was Lauren Waldorf, art teacher at Stetson Elementary School.

“All of the students every year have said art is their favorite special,” said Delaney Martin, first grade teacher. “She just creates a lot of amazing lessons for her students.”

Waldorf hosts monthly paint nights for students and their families outside of her regular teacher responsibilities. The lesson plans she creates are tailored to spark curiosity and help students see themselves as capable artists.

The final honorees, from Falcon Elementary School of Technology, were Brenda Waldron, preschool teacher, and Dawn Takacs, PE teacher. In their roles as wellness co-leaders, they have expanded staff wellness opportunities by introducing or strengthening initiatives such as Walking Wednesdays, semester staff breakfasts, and a Zen Den space. FESoT was recently recognized as an "America's Healthiest School" in the categories of Staff Wellness and Tobacco-Free Schools.

“I just wanted to recognize their efforts and bring this awareness to you, and applaud their level of enthusiasm and dedication for their staff and students at Falcon El,” said CharLynn Stegman, Health & Wellness Specialist.

Fantastic 49 is the district’s recognition program that celebrates fantastic staff, students, and community members before the board of education meetings. A sincere thank you to our sponsors, Air Academy Federal Credit Union, Dion’s, and to Raising Cane's.