Meet Our Final 2024-2025 Lakota Gems

Lakota Local Schools is proud to present its final group of "Lakota Gem Award" winners for the 2024-2025 school year - the teachers, administrators and support staff who bring a sparkle to our schools. Selected from a pool of over 400 nominations submitted since October, Lakota’s most precious gems for May include: 

• Amanda Benjamin (Teacher, Creekside ECS) – Sapphire of Student Support Award
• Brianne Kopecky (Nurse, Endeavor Elementary) – A Cut Above the Rest Award
• Robyn Parrish (Teacher, Hopewell Junior) – Sapphire of Student Support & Beacon of Positivity Awards
• Matthew MacFarlane (Principal, Lakota East High School) – A Cut Above the Rest Award
• Dr. Ashley Whitely (Superintendent, Lakota Local Schools) – Beacon of Positivity, Brilliant Innovator & A Cut Above the Rest Awards

Each “gem” was celebrated with a surprise recognition during their workday and surrounded by their students, colleagues and those who nominated them. In seven months, Lakota welcomed 43 teachers, administrators and support staff into its inaugural group of Gem Award winners. 

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The Facets of Our May Gems

Amanda Benjamin: Early Childhood School Honoree (Grades K-2)

Creekside ECS kindergarten teacher Amanda Benjamin earned the "Sapphire of Student Support" gem award in recognition of a heartfelt tribute from the parent of a current student.

Amanda was applauded for being a steady and supportive presence going above and beyond to meet each child’s unique needs while keeping families informed and involved. She was described as patient, thoughtful and deeply committed to her students’ success—especially evident in how she supported a student through a recent medical diagnosis.

“She’s been managing all of this while going through a very difficult time personally… but you’d never know it from the way she shows up every day,” wrote the parent. 

 

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Brianne Kopecky: Elementary School Honoree (Grades 3-6) 

The recipient of the "A Cut Above the Rest" gem, Endeavor Elementary nurse Brianne Kopecky was recognized for the dedication, professionalism and heartfelt presence that make her an irreplaceable part of the school community.

Brianne was applauded for offering compassionate, confident care to every student and staff member she encounters. She has gone above and beyond for families managing complex medical needs, especially one who shared, “We literally are not sure our kids would be where they are emotionally if it weren't for Nurse Bri.”

From managing diabetes with empathy and expertise to greeting every single student with a smile and handshake (by name), she creates a safe, welcoming environment for students and staff, alike.

 

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Robyn Parrish: Junior School Honoree (Grades 7-8)

Receiving not just one, but two gem awards this month, was Hopewell Junior School history teacher Robyn Parrish, who accepted both the "Sapphire of Student Support" and "Beacon of Positivity" gems.

Robyn was described as a passionate, dedicated educator who gives 1000% to her students, colleagues and curriculum. She builds powerful, respectful relationships and supports every learner—especially English Language Learners—with empathy and high expectations. One parent shared, “She has transformed my son into an avid learner… I truly think he willingly gets up and goes to school each day just to make it to American History with Mrs. Parrish.”

Robyn’s thoughtful, student-centered approach and genuine love for teaching make her an irreplaceable gem in the Lakota community. 

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Matthew MacFarlane: High School Honoree (Grades 9-12)

Officially named the principal of Lakota East High School this past March, after unexpectedly stepping up to fill the role mid-year, the former assistant principal received glowing nominations from other Lakota East staff, earning him the "A Cut Above the Rest" gem. 

His colleagues described him as "the embodiment of servant leadership," consistently stepping up and adapting to change with grace, positivity and humility. He was applauded for always putting students first and supporting staff through every challenge. As one colleague wrote, “Matt does above and beyond EVERY DAY… and ALWAYS does it with a smile.”

Whether solving problems, writing encouraging notes or guiding through transitions, Matt listens, uplifts and leads by example. This style of leadership demands mutual respect and a strong work ethic from anyone who works with him.

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Ashley Whitely: Central Office Honoree

Traditionally the presenter of Lakota's monthly gem awards, to say that Superintendent Ashley Whitely was surprised to be named a recipient is an understatement. Lakota Board of Education President Julie Shaffer, accompanied by other board members and Central Office staff, presented Ashley with three different gems: A Cut Above the Rest, Brilliant Innovator and Beacon of Positivity. 

The residing theme in her letters was the sense of energy, vision and heart that Ashley has brought to Lakota since day one. It was noted that she leads with authenticity, positivity and a deep commitment to students and staff. Whether hosting over 100 listening sessions, championing new initiatives like the Gem Awards and the “Let’s Go, Lakota” video series, or supporting professional growth and healthy discussion among her team, she is a constant source of inspiration to those around her.

As one nominator shared, “She takes the time to listen, makes you feel seen, valued and equal.” Several shared that she simply radiates positivity and almost effortlessly embodies the culture that she is promoting and working tirelessly to build around Lakota. Letter after letter made it clear that her fresh perspective and innovative mindset have already made a lasting impact on Lakota.

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Watch Their Reactions to the News

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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 during the school year 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 nomination form will be temporarily closed and the nominee pool will be reset. 

The top Diamond Educator Award, formerly called the "Educator of Excellence Award" and presented by the Northern Cincinnati Foundation in partnership with Phelan Insurance, represents those staff members who embody all six gem award categories. While not required, they may be a former recipient of a Gem Award. An administrator, support staff person and two teachers, one representing grades K-6 and the other grades 7-12, are selected for this top award, which is announced every May.