The Brookings School District, in collaboration with the Brookings Education Association, proudly celebrated its dedicated staff during the annual Staff Recognition Ceremony held on Wednesday, May 7. The event was a celebration of service, dedication, and the remarkable achievements of the educators and support staff who embody the district’s mission of empowering all learners to realize their potential.
Hosted by emcees Emily Charlson and Mandy Smidt, the event welcomed staff, family members, and community supporters to honor years of service, educational excellence, and professional achievements across the district.
25 Years of Dedicated Service
Three staff members were recognized for an incredible milestone - 25 years of commitment to learners and the Brookings community:
Carleen Holm
Gary Mork
Dana Stein
Educational Support Professionals of the Year
Eight outstanding support staff members were recognized for their dedication to ensuring safe, supportive learning environments. Among them, Bill Runge of Medary Elementary received the distinction of District Educational Support Professional of the Year for his exceptional commitment and impact.
Honorees included:
Deb Schaefer, Brookings High School
Tanya Carter, Camelot Intermediate
Carleen Holm, Dakota Prairie Elementary
Tanna Nolz, Hillcrest Elementary
Bill Runge, Medary Elementary
Laurie Jones, Mickelson Middle School
Liz McClemans, Administration Building
Joe Konshak, Transportation Department
Teachers of the Year
The district also recognized educators who exemplify excellence in teaching, student engagement, and school leadership. This year, Kelsey Marker of Dakota Prairie Elementary was honored as the District Teacher of the Year, a testament to her extraordinary dedication to student success.
Honorees included:
Jason Sebern, Brookings High School
Mitch Miller, Camelot Intermediate
Kelsey Marker, Dakota Prairie Elementary
Tanna McMahon, Hillcrest Elementary
Allison Berndt, Medary Elementary
Matt Sass, Mickelson Middle School
Additional Celebrations of Excellence
Several staff members were recognized with regional and statewide honors:
Lisa Bahe – South Dakota Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year
Mark Kreie – Distinguished Service to Mathematics Award + Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Isaac McMahon – Dennis Hegg Young Band Director Award
Dr. Summer Schultz – SD School Superintendents Association’s Innovator of the Year Award
Honoring Retirees
With great appreciation, the district recognized its 2025 retirees for their years of dedication and impact:
Patty DeYoung, Mickelson Middle School
Vicki Folkerts, Mickelson Middle School
Patsy Hendricks, Mickelson Middle School
Dawn McCarthy, Mickelson Middle School
Dana Stein, Camelot Intermediate
Mark Stolt, Camelot Intermediate
Julie Thue, Hillcrest Elementary
A Special Evening of Recognition and Music
With musical accompaniment by Mrs. Kathy Winghart & Strings Attached, opening remarks from Superintendent Dr. Summer Schultz, as well as messages from BEA Co-Presidents Kelsey Lovseth and Travis Engebretson, the night spoke to the district’s shared values of lifelong learning, integrity, and community partnership.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of two major awards recognizing exceptional commitment to education in the Brookings community:
The BEA Friend of Education Award was presented to Julie List, a dedicated volunteer at Dakota Prairie Elementary, whose generosity and time have made a lasting impact on students and staff alike.
The Patricia M. Larson Award was awarded to Sue Carlson of Dakota Prairie Elementary, honoring her outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the mission of the Brookings School District.
Congratulations to all honorees for their extraordinary service and leadership! Your contributions make Brookings a place where both staff and students thrive!
Educational Support Professionals and Teachers of the Year
Retirees, as pictured, are Vicki Folkerts, Dawn McCarthy, Patsy Hendricks, Mark Stolt, Dana Stein, and Julie Thue. Patty DeYoung was not in attendance.
The BEA Friend of Education was awarded to Julie List, a volunteer at Dakota Prairie
The Patrica M. Larson Award was given to Sue Carlson from Dakota Prairie
