Four staff members and one student were in the spotlight as D49 leaders and board members celebrated them for their stellar representation of the Sand Creek Zone. The Fantastic 49 awards were presented May 13 before the regular board meeting.
The celebration kicked off by recognizing Edith Georgas, a third-grade teacher at Remington Elementary School, for her work in ensuring all students could participate in the All Remington Reads program. The program brought together students from across the school to read the same nearly 200-page book. “We have a lot of Spanish-speaking students, and many parents who don’t read English,” said Lisa Fillo, principal. “Edith rewrote the entire book, so she could fluently read it and record it for our Spanish-speaking families.”
Mary Carter, third-grade teacher, was next to receive accolades for her impact at Evans Elementary. “Mary will do anything for her students. Mary can take any student and help them find a love for learning,” shared Marcia Case, principal, on behalf of the team at Evans. “She helps them find the ‘why’ behind everything they are doing. She is truly a wonderful human and teacher.”
Sand Creek Zone Community Liaison Lauren Stuart was celebrated for wearing many hats for the zone. “This year she also became the title 1 family liaison at Horizon, and the other half of her job is teaching a little bit at Sand Creek, organizing graduation, and scheduling parent academies,” said Dustin Horras, principal at Horizon Middle School. “Zone-wide she is very valuable … it would be tough to replace her.”
A second employee from Remington Elementary, Sadie Russell who serves as a community engagement liaison, was honored for her work in providing resources to families. “We have developed resources together for military families who are new to the school or are leaving,” shared Kathy Barr, military and family life counselor. “Families walk into our school, and they know they are part of a community thanks to Sadie.”
To wrap up festivities, Elise Clark, Sand Creek High School senior, was celebrated for her achievement of earning a Daniels Scholarship, which provides up to $25,000 a year to attend any college or university. Clark missed her senior banquet due to quarantine, so she received additional awards including being named Female Scorpion of the Year for her outstanding citizenship, demonstrating honesty, and possessing school pride.
Fantastic 49 is the district’s recognition program that celebrates fantastic staff, students, and community members before board of education meetings.
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