The North Platte Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce their 2018 “Teacher of the Year”, “Staff Member of the Year,” and “Administrator of the Year;” award winners. These exemplary district employees will be honored at our upcoming Education After Hours event on April 6th
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There is two Teacher of the Year Award Winners.
The 2018 6-12th grade “Teacher of the Year”, is Madison Middle School Math Teacher Lane Swedberg Lane Swedberg graduated from Wallace High School and then continued his education at Chadron State College. He has his Bachelor’s degree in Middle School Education with Field Endorsements in both Math and Science. Lane is heavily involved outside the classroom coaching middle school football and basketball as well as a varsity track. He assists with quiz bowl, student council, and FCA. He is also active in community theater most recently starring as Mr. Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
The 2018 PreK-5th grade “Teacher of the Year”, Lake 4th Grade Teacher Tara Foster. Tara Foster is originally from Tryon Nebraska. She graduated from McPherson County High School in 1998 and graduated from Chadron State College in 2002. She taught at Our Redeemer Lutheran school for three years, before taking a job at Lake Maloney School teaching 3rd and 4th grade. Mrs. Foster started a STEAM team of third and fifth graders that meet every Monday after school to build their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. She is also part of the NPPS science curriculum writing team and technology team, HAL coordinator for Lake and is very active with the schools PTO.
The 2018 “Staff Member of the Year” is McDonald Elementary Custodian Dan Koehler Affectionately called “Big Dan” by students and staff at McDonald Elementary, Dan Koehler was nominated and awarded staff member of the year. An avid musician Dan brings his songs alive for the students by singing happy birthday with his guitar and even giving guitar lessons to students who earn them by doing good. Dan not only cleans the school, he is an active participant in assemblies and school projects. He is excellent at his job and creates a culture at McDonald that includes and appreciates everyone.
The 2018 “Administrator of the Year”, is Washington Elementary Principal Greg Fruhwirth. Greg Fruhwirth graduated from Larimore High School and received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Elementary and Special Education, and a Master’s degree is in Educational Leadership from Colorado State. He is married to Barb who is employed as a 1st-grade teacher at Eisenhower. They have 3 children. In 2013 He became the Principal at Washington Elementary. Before Washington, he was a principal at Wray Elementary for 8 years in Wray, Colorado. His teaching career lasted 25 years, he taught Special Education, 4th and 6th Grade in Fowler, Colorado. Greg also coached Girls Basketball, Football, Baseball, and Track. Greg’s contribution to NPPS has led to Washington Elementary becoming a district leader in student performance. Greg is often seen participating in school events throughout the district and running distance races around the state.
Nominations for these outstanding staff members were made by students, parents, community members and employees from the North Platte Public School District. These awards recognize and encourage superior professional effort to improve instruction and to cultivate the continuation of education excellence in our schools. Teacher and Staff Member Award Winners will receive a plaque and a $250 cash award. Administrators will receive a plaque and $1000 extra budget authority for their building/administrative area.
Awards will be presented at North Platte Public Schools Foundation “Education After Hours” event on Friday April 6th from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express. Tickets are $25 each ($20 for NPPSD staff) and available online at nppsf.org or at the Foundation office. Please call 696-3325 in advance to schedule pick up.