Barb Bossu Spirit Awards Celebrate Top Volunteers of 2025

The Lakota District Parent Council, in partnership with Lakota Local Schools, was proud to recognize the recipients of the 2025 Barb Bossu Volunteer Spirit Awards at the 35th annual ceremony on April 23.

The annual program recognizes the volunteers who exemplify the legacy of Barb Bossu, an enthusiastic parent volunteer and the Union Elementary PTA president at the time of her death in 1989. The award was established a year later to commemorate her dedication to public education by honoring annually a volunteer at the district level and one from every Lakota school. 

"For 35 years, we've been honoring Lakota volunteers who represent Barb's positive spirit and give up their time unselfishly to support our students and our schools," said DPC President Lisa Phair. "As volunteers, we know that parent and community engagement is vital to the success of our district because volunteers offer support to teachers and enriching social and educational experiences for students." 

At the event, each school principal shared a tribute about their school's honoree before the DPC presented this year's district-wide award to Alyssa Louagie. 

"I can remember the first time as a teacher in this district that I met Alyssa. Her energy and passion was evident to me as a teacher then and certainly as a superintendent now," said Lakota Superintendent Ashley Whitely.

An active volunteer since 2009, Alyssa's journey began on the executive board of Shawnee Early Childhood School's PTA. A few years later, she stepped up as president for Lakota LEADS, a role that she would fill for many years in support of the district-wide parent organization that advocates for gifted and high achieving students. She also represented multiple schools as a District Parent Council ambassador and even served as the co-leader for Lakota's President's Council for two years. Her dedication to Lakota extends into her professional life as well through her work at a non-profit that provides grief support to area schools, including Lakota.

"Volunteering is at the very core of being a human being," said Whitely, addressing all of the 2025 award recipients. "Nobody can make it without others' help and you are the epitome of that kind of strength. You truly represent the WE that makes Lakota Local Schools run each and every day."

Congratulations to this year's school-level honorees: 

K- 6 Honorees

• Adena Elementary - Sarah Ormbrek
  Sarah is an invaluable member of the Adena family, always eager to help and often asking how she can assist before being asked. Her positivity, great ideas and dedication, along with her family's involvement, make her a familiar and welcoming presence at Adena events.
   
• Cherokee Elementary - Marcy Olson
  Marcy, a proud resident of Liberty Township for nearly five years, actively volunteers at Cherokee, serving as the PTA Executive Board Secretary and managing communications. She is known for her enthusiastic participation in events like the annual Glow Party and Cookies & Cocoa PAWS, creating a vibrant community spirit.
   
• Creekside ECS - Alicia Lowry
  Alicia Lowry has tirelessly supported Creekside for the past three years, ensuring a welcoming and fun environment for all through her involvement in various events and creative decorations. Her dedication, enthusiasm and student-centered approach, always with a smile, have earned her this honor.
   
• Endeavor Elementary - Molly Kirstein
  Molly has shown outstanding dedication to Endeavor Elementary's PTO and school community over the past five years, leading numerous events and advocating for inclusive initiatives like Field Day shirts. Her creativity and commitment enhance experiences for children and families, driven by her passion for supporting her sons, staff and the broader community.
   
• Freedom Elementary - Wendy Buhrlage
  Wendy has been highly involved with Freedom's Parent Council for the past five years, including serving as co-president for the past two years, dedicating countless hours to various tasks and events at both Freedom and Ridge. Her tireless efforts, from organizing activities and fundraising events to designing spirit wear and providing yearbook feedback, make her an invaluable asset to the Freedom community.
   
• Heritage ECS - Stacey Roark
  Stacey has been an invaluable PTO Treasurer at Heritage ECS for the past two years, actively planning, promoting and volunteering for events to ensure their success. Her innovative ideas and dedicated support as a room parent have greatly benefited both students and staff.
   
• Hopewell ECS - Michelle Anderson
  Michelle Anderson has been a dedicated volunteer at Hopewell for the past five years, serving in various PTO roles, including secretary, and volunteering in classrooms. She consistently leads the annual book fair, raising significant funds, and is known for her reliability and kindness, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. 
   
• Independence Elementary - Erin Garber
  Erin exemplifies service through her unwavering commitment to Independence Elementary, providing invaluable support to teachers every Friday and volunteering at all school events. Her leadership in organizing Indy Fest each year highlights her dedication and organizational skills, making the event a delight for students.
   
• Liberty ECS - Pam Carlson
  Pam has been a dedicated and innovative PTO President at Liberty ECS for two years, leaving a lasting impact through restructuring the PTO and creating inclusive programs and new fundraising opportunities. Her vision and efforts have streamlined the executive board and enlisted new volunteers, ensuring smooth transitions and continued success for the organization.
   
• Shawnee ECS - Ashley Eaton
  Since moving here four years ago, Ashley has made a lasting impact through her dedicated and passionate volunteer work, including supporting the PTA and stepping into a demanding board role. Her commitment to strengthening Shawnee, fostering positive relationships, and generously donating her time, even substituting for the nurse, exemplifies spirit of volunteerism. 
   
• Union Elementary - Tima Zelk
  Tima's unmatched dedication to Union and its students is evident in her heartfelt involvement in every aspect of the PTSO, always stepping up to help in various capacities. Her passion for volunteering, fresh ideas and boundless energy have made her a vital part of the Union family, creating lasting connections and a positive impact that will benefit the school for years to come.
   
• VanGorden Elementary - Tracy DiAngelo
  Vice President of Ways & Means at VanGorden Elementary PTA, Tracey has shown unwavering commitment and leadership, spearheading two of the largest and most successful events. Her selflessness, dependability, and positive attitude have made a lasting impact on the school community, earning her this well-deserved recognition.
   
• Woodland Elementary - Emily Randolph
  Emily, who moved to Lakota in fall 2023, quickly became an active volunteer at Woodland and now serves as PTO treasurer in her second year. Despite her full-time job and church commitments, she generously contributes her time, and her presence will be greatly missed when her twins advance to seventh grade next year.
   
• Wyandot ECS - Callie Rom
  Callie has been an invaluable PTO member for three years, serving as secretary and president while consistently volunteering at the classroom level and school events. Her innovative initiatives, such as organizing raffle baskets and fundraising for an inclusive playground, have significantly boosted volunteer recruitment and positively impacted the school community.

7-12 Honorees

• Hopewell Junior - Maggie Panyko
  Maggie has made a lasting impact on the Hopewell community through her dedicated volunteer work, including serving as PTSO vice president, co-introducing the Tile Project, and maintaining the PTSO website and social media. Her efforts ensure events are promoted and participation thrives, while her creative contributions, such as designing shirts and organizing the Community Service Fair, highlight her commitment to fostering school spirit and connectivity.
   
• Lakota East Freshman - Jim Keenan
  Head of the pit crew for the Lakota East Marching Thunderhawks, Jim has used his engineering skills to create intricate props for the band shows, dedicating countless hours alongside volunteers to ensure successful performances. His commitment extends to working with the uniform team, and his selfless contributions have earned him this recognition.
   
• Lakota East High School - Jessica Gearlds
  Jessica, in her second year as PTSO president of Lakota East, ensures wise distribution of funds and collaborates tirelessly with school staff to support student activities. She co-chaired the major fundraising craft show, heads the Lakota President’s Council and continually provides support and appreciation to students and volunteers.
   
• Lakota West Freshman - Tricia Wade
  The enthusiastic and dedicated PTSO president for Lakota West and West Freshman, Tricia has a long history of transforming chaos into order, as seen in her previous role as treasurer for the Shawnee PTA. This year, she has fostered collaboration among support organizations, welcomed new parents and administrators, and played a key role in redesigning the West PTSO scholarship processs.
   
• Lakota West High School - Ron Stratman
  For nearly six years, Ron has been a familiar face at the Lakota West concession stand, helping raise over $250,000 and contributing significantly to the success of the Lakota West Boosters. Known for his great jokes, unique outfits and exceptional grilling skills, Ron continues to volunteer his time to support student-athletes.
   
• Liberty Junior - Rhyan Stuckey
  Rhyan Shas been an exceptional PTO treasurer for Liberty over the past two years, establishing essential protocols and procedures despite having no prior experience. She tirelessly fulfilled her role, balancing her responsibilities with a family and full-time job, and is highly regarded for her dedication and hard work.
   
• Plains Junior - Holly Kravetz
  Holly has poured her heart into Plains, going above and beyond for the staff, students and community as PTO President. Her innovative ideas, revitalized social media presence and increased fundraising have significantly benefited the school, embodying what it means to be an extraordinary volunteer.
   
• Ridge Junior - Megan McGill
  A long-time member of the Lakota community, Megan is honored for her exceptional leadership as PTO co-President at Ridge Junior School. She also serves as a DPC representative at Freedom Elementary and has consistently volunteered in various roles, demonstrating her dedication to supporting students, families and the district in a fun and inclusive manner.