Throughout the month of September, USD 232 recognized four exceptional staff members with the TORCH Award. This honor celebrates team members who go above and beyond, demonstrating remarkable dedication to students and the district community.

Our first stop for this school year was Belmont Elementary where Proud Superintendent Cory Gibson and Principal Collin Stucky recognized school nurse Kim Watts. Kim was selected to receive this award because of the calm, caring way she supports students each day. As Principal Stucky shared, having an office across from hers gives him the privilege of seeing her compassion in action — always greeting students with kindness, staying composed in chaotic moments, and making sure every child feels cared for. Thank you, Kim, for all that you do to support students and keep them healthy!

Next at Belmont was Brooke Riffel, a dedicated special education teacher. While presenting the award, Principal Stucky shared that just moments earlier he had seen Brooke playfully acting like a T-Rex while helping a student down the hallway, perfectly illustrating the lengths she goes to support her students. Brooke continually goes above and beyond, using her creativity and resourcefulness to meet the needs of her students with a smile on her face. Whatever the challenge, Brooke gets it done. Thank you, Brooke, for your commitment to our students!

The next stop was Cedar Trails Exploration Center and the classroom of Nancy Taliaferro, Career and Technical Education and Engineering Instructor. CTEC Administrator Tim Mispagel had the honor of nominating Nancy, noting her unwavering commitment to the Center for Advanced Professional Studies program. This past summer, she stepped up without hesitation and with excitement to oversee the CTEC CAPS team at the Make48 regional competition. Under her leadership, the team is advancing to nationals this November! Thank you, Nancy, for your dedication, guidance, and the positive impact you make on your students and colleagues.

The final stop for the September TORCH Award was Early Childhood at CTEC to recognize audiologist Kathi Spachek. Under the guise of a fake meeting, Principal Deborah Ricker invited Kathi out to receive the award, saying it was an easy choice to nominate her. Kathi is a dedicated staff member who gives back tirelessly — maintaining strong communication with staff, parents, and the medical community and building connections that serve CTEC as well as the entire district. Thank you, Kathi, for all that you do to uplift and inform our USD 232 community!

Congratulations to Kim, Brooke, Nancy, and Kathi! We are truly grateful to have each of you as an essential part of the USD 232 team.