Four teachers, two retirees and two staff members of Stillwater Area Public Schools recently received Partnership Awards in recognition of superior service to School District 834 and its students.

The Partnership Awards are presented each year by The Partnership Plan in recognition of excellence among the teachers and staff within the school district. The winners this year were all nominated by their colleagues.

The honorees are:

• Elementary level awards: Terri Anderson, Afton-Lakeland paraprofessional, and Sonia Esch, Rutherford Elementary music teacher.
• Secondary level awards: Cathleen Gunvalson, Stillwater Area High School math teacher, and Lynn Swanson, Stillwater Area High School chemistry teacher.
• Retired staff awards: Paula Hemer, retired ECSE and school psychologist, and Nancy Prince, retired elementary school librarian.
• Gratitude Greeting with Distinction Honorees for district staff: Eric Anderson, District Diversity Leadership Curriculum counselor, and Linda Moncrief, administrative assistant to Stillwater Area High School principal Ryan Laager.

“These wonderful individuals spend their days helping and inspiring students in our schools,” said Christine Tubbs, executive director of the Partnership Plan. “They are stellar examples of the kinds of teachers and staff throughout our schools who make a daily difference in the lives of students.”

The Partnership Plan, she added, appreciates the opportunity to recognize superior performance by District employees.