Meet Our April Lakota Gems

Lakota Local Schools is proud to present its April "Lakota Gem Award" winners - the teachers, administrators and support staff who bring a sparkle to our schools. Selected from a growing pool of over 400 nominations, Lakota’s most precious gems for April include: 

• Megan Brankamp (Teacher, Liberty ECS) – Sapphire of Student Support Award
• Michelle Brown (Teacher, Endeavor Elementary) – Sapphire of Student Support, Brilliant Innovator & A Cut Above the Rest Awards
• Abigail Trybus (Intervention Specialist, Hopewell Junior) – Sapphire of Student Support Award
• Katherine Joseph (Assistant Principal, Lakota West High School) – Sapphire of Student Support, Beacon of Positivity & A Cut Above the Rest Awards
• Kimberly Fleenor (Job Coach, Lakota Special Services - Work Study Program) – Beacon of Positivity Award
• Diana Camacci (Bus Driver, Petermann Transportation) – Beacon of Positivity Award

Each “gem” was celebrated over the last week with a surprise recognition during their workday and surrounded by their students, colleagues and those who nominated them. Be on the lookout for this month's Lakota Gem Award video to see their reactions. 

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The Facets of Our April Gems

Megan Brankamp: Early Childhood School Honoree (Grades K-2)

Liberty ECS kindergarten teacher Megan Brankamp was commended for her proactive communication and genuine care for her students, thus earning the "Sapphire of Student Support" gem award.

It was noted that Megan provides exceptional support and communication, especially for students with learning struggles and challenging life circumstances. Always with the kids' best interests at heart, she partners with her colleagues to ensure they are receiving consistent and continuous care from all the adult figures at school. 

"Ms. Brankamp just seems to make sure each person has the amount of support that they need," wrote the person nominating her for the award. 

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Michelle Brown: Elementary School Honoree (Grades 3-6) 

Nominated for not just one, but three Gem Awards - "A Cut Above the Rest, "Sapphire of Student Support" and "Brilliant Innovator" - Endeavor Elementary sixth grade teacher Michelle Brown was described as being a source of inspiration to students and colleagues, alike. 

Receiving a total of eight nominations, Michelle was applauded for going above and beyond for her students, fostering confidence and advocating for their needs. It was repeatedly noted that she creates a friendly, fun environment in her classroom. 

"She is the picture that should be beside the Sapphire!," wrote one of her students. "She understands that all children can be successful, but they may need to reach that success in different ways!"

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Abigail Trybus: Junior School Honoree (Grades 7-8)

Hopewell Junior School intervention specialist Abigail Trybus, nominated for the "Sapphire of Student Support" gem, was described by two of her colleagues and one student as being a constant support for her students, both academically and emotionally. 

A second year teacher and already the leader of her school's special services department, Abby has a student-centered leadership style, always advocating for students to be placed appropriately based on their individual needs. One nomination letter stated that Abby creates a warm and inclusive learning environment and knows what her students need before they even do. 

Abby's ability to connect with students on a personal level is unmatched and her passion for teaching is contagious. "Her students feel her care through the way she stands up for them and will fight for what is best for each individually," wrote a colleagues. "Watching the way Mrs. Trybus interacts with not only her students but all students at HJS will remind you why this job is truly the best."

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Katherine Joseph: High School Honoree (Grades 9-12)

Lakota West High School assistant principal Katherine Joseph received glowing nominations from three staff in her building, earning her three different gem awards: "A Cut Above the Rest," "Sapphire of Student Support" and "Beacon of Positivity." 

One colleague was blessed and humbled by Kate's ability to always go above and beyond to help students with high emotional needs, describing the encouragement she provided to one particular student. "This student will never forget the way Ms. Joseph made her feel heard, cared about, loved, and valued as an individual person," she wrote. 

Kate was applauded for her infectious energy, enthusiasm and positivity, creating a culture of acceptance and thoughtfulness. "Positive people build a positive culture and that is what we have at Lakota West thanks to Kate," wrote another colleague. 

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Kimberly Fleenor: Central Office Honoree

Part of Lakota's Special Service team, instructional aide Kimberly Fleenor supports work study students assigned to Lakota's Central Office. Kim was celebrated as a "Beacon of Positivity" gem award winner. 

Described as a "ray of sunshine," Kim was commended for her kind conversation and unmatched ability to show an interest in every single person she crosses during the workday. She was also applauded for the same attention and care she provides to her students. 

"No matter what goes wrong, she is always calm and redirects as if nothing negative has happened," she wrote. "She is truly one of the most genuine people I have ever met."

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Diana Camacci: Service Center Honoree

Petermann bus driver Diana Camacci - better known to her passengers as Ms. Diana - received a thoughtful nomination from a parent at Wyandot ECS, earning her the "Beacon of Positivity" gem award. 

It was shared that Diana goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment on her bus and set a positive tone for the day ahead. She is known to remember every student's name and something unique about them. That personal touch is reinforced with a personalized gift she purchases gives to each of her students.

Diana fosters an environment of inclusion, celebrating different holidays and traditions. She also builds a culture of respect, teaching students the importance of kindness and understanding in the face of conflict. "Ms. Diana's positive energy and inclusive attitude make the bus ride a joyful and enriching experience for all the children," the parent wrote.

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About the Lakota Gem Award

"Every single position here at Lakota is important and part of our district's success story," said Lakota Superintendent Dr. Ashley Whitely. "Through the 'Lakota Gem Award,' it is my goal to celebrate staff whose range of responsibilities and areas of expertise are varied, but whose qualities are strikingly similar. Things like teamwork, innovation, positivity, growth and a student-centered mentality drive excellence and span all roles in public education."

To qualify, nominees should reflect any one of these gem-like facets: 

• Sapphire of Student Support - Values strong relationships and the importance of meeting students' individual academic, social and emotional needs.
• Beacon of Positivity - Radiates positive energy and promotes a welcoming culture that celebrates and respects differences. 
• Brilliant Innovator - Uses creativity to create dynamic experiences for students and staff, solve problems and allocate available resources wisely.
• Polished Team Player - Embraces the power of community and collaboration to lift one another up and work together for the best possible results.
• Gem of Growth - A lifelong learner who values feedback and has a growth mindset for continuous professional improvement.
• A Cut Above the Rest - Shines in their area of expertise and goes above and beyond in their daily work.

Every month, Lakota's "gems" are celebrated for ONE of these award categories, receiving a unique gem pin that corresponds with the facet for which they were selected. Not every category will be awarded each month. Likewise, the same category may be awarded to multiple staff any given month.

Over time, staff may be awarded multiple gems to celebrate the different qualities they exhibit through their work at Lakota. An individual will not be eligible, however, to receive the same gem twice.

The District aims to recognize a new group of "Lakota Gem Award" recipients on a monthly basis who represent each grade band (K-2, 3-6, 7-8 and 9-12), as well as Central Office and the Service Center. These individuals are determined by a representative selection committee, surprised during the workday and spotlighted through district communication channels. 

Staff members can be nominated at any time using the form linked below. New nominations will be pulled on the first day of each month in consideration for the previous month's awards. All nominations will carry over from month to month and will be considered for the rest of the current school year without needing to re-submit. At the start of each new school year, the nominee pool will be reset. 

Nominate a staff member for a Lakota Gem Award. The final nominees for the 2024-2025 school year will be pulled on the last day of April, with the May recipients announced mid-month.