Hearts of 509J

Penny Hughes: 1st Grade Teacher at Metolius Elementary School

The first honoree we’re recognizing is Penny Hughes, a 1st grade teacher at Metolius Elementary! When first graders arrive at Metolius Elementary, they see a familiar face pretty much every day. Penny Hughes' passion is focusing on student learning and growth. She's been a mainstay at the school for three decades now. She is consistently putting her students first, while mentoring other teachers and helping out her principal around the school.

Principal Adam Dietrich shared that her patience and warm demeanor make her classroom a place where students are excited to go and learn.

“For more than 30 years, Penny Hughes has given her heart to teaching and it shows in every child whose life she’s touched. Her dedication, patience, and endless creativity make her classroom a place where students feel safe, encouraged and excited to learn. She consistently goes the extra mile often without any extra recognition because she truly believes in the potential of every child. I want to thank her for her unwavering commitment, compassion and joy she brings to learning. She’s the kind of teacher who changes lives and the impact of her work will be felt for generations. Thank you Penny.”

We're honored to recognize Penny Hughes as one of our winners!

Gabby Hawkins: Educational Assistant at JCMS

One of the first honorees we’re recognizing is Gabby Hawkins, an EA at JCMS! When students and staff arrive at JCMS for the day, they know they can count on her. She is a leader in the building and is great at creating relationships with students and staff. She works tirelessly to ensure every child has the proper resources and support.

Assistant Principal Shannon Richards shared that she's great at noticing areas that need improvement.

"You can count on Gabby to take on just about anything. She is a leader among our classified staff and has taken on mentoring new EAs. She has been a consistent person here at JCMS and in prior years has been a substitute for many of our teachers. She makes good connections with students and staff alike. She is also really great at noticing areas for improvement and making in the moment adjustments to address them. She always has an idea or a solution to a problem that needs to be addressed."

7th Grade Science Teacher, Jamie Hurd, added that she is a strong advocate for her students and is always seeking out other ways to support them.

"I would like to nominate Gabby for her outstanding dedication and commitment to our students. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every child has the proper resources and support needed to succeed. Her proactive approach means she never waits to be asked—she simply recognizes what needs to be done and takes action with compassion and professionalism. She is a strong advocate for her students, always seeking additional support and opportunities to help them thrive. Beyond her work ethic, she builds meaningful and positive relationships with all students, creating a safe, trusting, and encouraging environment for learning. Gabby truly embodies what it means to be a devoted educator and an invaluable member of our school community."

We're proud to recognize Gabby as one of our winners!

Grace Hartzell: Cook's Assistant at Buff Elementary

Our next winner is Grace Hartzell, a Cook’s Assistant at Buff Elementary. She runs the kitchen at Buff Elementary, and she does so with efficiency and heart. She works tirelessly to ensure students are getting the food options they want and will enjoy at lunch time. When lunch time rolls around, Grace greets the students with a kindness and a smile to make our students feel like they belong.

Principal Erika Skaar shared that her school is lucky to have her. Below is her nomination for Grace.

"Grace ensures students flourish at Buff Elementary! She greets every student with a smile and delicious food, creating a warm and welcoming part of their day. She pays close attention to what the kids like and works to make sure those favorite food items are an option for lunches. As the heart of our kitchen, Grace is incredibly organized and runs our kitchen with both efficiency and heart. She is always putting students first in each and every decision she makes. She models a positive attitude, and jumps in wherever she’s needed. She makes sure that each child feels seen, supported, and fed! Grace is an important member of Buff, and we're lucky to have her on our team!"

We're honored to recognize Grace as one of our winners!

Danielle Erickson: Special Education Teacher at WSK8

Our next winner is Danielle Erickson, a special education teacher at Warm Springs K-8 Academy! When students and staff walk through WSK8, they are welcomed by the steady presence of Ms. Erickson, who leads with care, intention, and heart. She's known for building meaningful relationships with her students and colleagues and advocating to ensure her students are receiving the resources they need.

Principal Lonnie Henderson highlighted the growth her students have seen since she started working with them when he nominated her for 'Hearts of 509J.'

"Students and staff, her classified staff, have truly flourished under Danielle. She has modeled the curriculum for other staff members, tracked student progress and encouraged everyone around her. The 3rd-5th grade SBAC scores and growth for her students was amazing. Danielle excels at collaborating with other teachers to ensure her students receive the resources, support, and individualized help they need. She is consistently putting her students first in every decision she makes. What makes her stand out are the strong, trusting relationships she builds with her students. She brings a lot of energy to her teaching and is excellent at motivating and encouraging all that she comes in contact with."

We're honored to recognize Danielle as one of our winners!

Michell Galan-Martinez: School Secretary & EA at Madras Elementary

Our next winner is Michell Galan-Martinez, a secretary & educational assistant at Madras Elementary! She supports families, students, and staff at Madras Elementary by splitting time between working in the front office as a secretary and as a student support Educational Assistant. Michell can be seen at school with a smile and helping those who need it whether she's in the office, the cafeteria during lunch time, out on the playground during recess, or leading small reading groups with kindergartners in our dual language program.

Principal Jean Bendele shared how she plays a key role in her school and how she makes the school a better place every day.

"I’d like to nominate Michell Galan Martinez because of the many ways she supports our students, families, and school community. In her dual role as a secretary and student support EA, she moves seamlessly between responsibilities, often switching gears quickly and doing both roles with care and professionalism. She works tirelessly to support families and is always putting students first. She’s also been a huge driving force behind important events and celebrations at our school, including helping plan the ribbon cutting for our new playground and leading cultural celebrations like Dia de los Muertos. She plays a key role in making sure culture is visible, valued, and celebrated in our building. Her dedication and heart make our school a better place every day."

We're honored to recognize Michell as one of our winners!

Jana Edge: English Language Arts & Careers Exploration Teacher at MHS

When presented with an opportunity to take on a new role this year, Jana Edge approached it head on. She spends part of her day teaching the new Careers Exploration class at Madras High, as well as teaching a college level writing class. She holds her students to high expectations and works to be a strong collaborator with other teachers in her building.

Assistant Principal Kelsey Snow highlighted her work and the time and effort Jana puts in to her classroom and students.

"Jana spends a lot of time and energy building relationships with our students and their families. She welcomes other teachers into her room to view her instructional strategies & be a thought & learning partner. She has taken on a new role this year with our College & Career class and has just ran with it, designing her own curriculum and hosting guest speakers for our students to learn from and providing students with opportunities to gain real world work place skills. She also teaches three sections of college composition, holding students to high expectations with high levels of engagement from students. She puts in an incredible amount of time and consideration for our students, always keeping students at the center of her work. She truly goes above and beyond every single day."

Congratulations to Jana for earning our 'Hearts of 509J' Award!

Cheryl Walters: Educational Assistant at WSK8

Cheryl Walters has been a mainstay at Warm Springs K-8 Academy for nearly two decades. She fills the halls with her joyful demeanor and helps support both staff and students in her role as an educational assistant. You can see her helping out in a handful of elementary classrooms, supervising recess and more. She truly makes WSK8 a better place for everyone.

She holds her students to high expectations and 3rd grade teacher, Sarah Bennett, highlighted her work on how she is highly skilled at her job, while being a trusted adult to so many countless students.

"Cheryl personifies "We Care for Each Other." Students and staff know that she cares immensely about them. Cheryl is highly valued as an educational assistant in classrooms. She is very knowledgeable in providing reading and math support that allows students to feel confident and successful in their efforts. She communicates well with teachers, making her time in rooms run like a well oiled machine. On the playground, students do not hesitate to go to her as they know she will help them get things figured out, have a band aid ready, or just a big smile to share with them.She is loving while holding high expectations. Students know they can count on her in every area. We are so blessed that for the last 18 years she has chosen to be with us!"

Congratulations to Cheryl for earning our 'Hearts of 509J' Award!

Jenn Noble: School Counselor at Bridges High School & 509J Online

Jenn Noble is a school counselor that Bridges High and 509J Online students can turn to when they're in need. She greets them warmly, makes them feel welcome in the school, and supports them in whatever way she can. She works collaboratively with the teams at both schools to ensure our students are flourishing.

Principal Jess Swagger highlights her work and how she calmly supports all students.

“Jenn is an amazing school counselor and always puts students first. She has taken on 509J online this year and is working hard to make those students feel just as connected and included along with BHS students. She approaches all behavior from a trauma lens and supports students with finding resources for their basic needs. I have watched her calmly support several students in crisis, sit with them while they are crying and visit them in the emergency room. She follows up, checks in, and makes sure every student knows they belong here. The students know she cares about them and that makes all the difference.”

Congrats to Jenn for winning our 'Hearts of 509J' award!

Jimmy Wilson: 3rd Grade Teacher at Buff Elementary

Jimmy Wilson is a 3rd grade teacher at Buff Elementary School. He’s in his second year working at Buff and is thriving right now. He understands that his students learn differently and works diligently to make sure they’re understanding what they’re learning. Even thinking outside of the box sometimes. He works hard to collaborate with the teams and other teachers around him to ensure that his students are flourishing in every aspect of their learning.

Jefferson County Education Service District School Psychologist, Kelly Collins, recognized Jimmy’s work ethic and commitment to his students and nominated him for the ‘Hearts of 509J’ award.

“James Wilson teaches 3rd grade at Buff Elementary. After hearing our SPED team talk about making accommodations to present material that is interesting in class so students can demonstrate their understanding of the standards, this teacher went home and created a story about Minecraft with comprehension questions that provided an alternative way for students to show they are understanding what they’re reading. James Wilson is an amazing teacher. He wants to differentiate for his students and understands that all students are different and may need different things. There are some good things happening in his classroom. The collaboration between this particular teacher and the SPED team here is pretty amazing. To see someone want to learn and try new things to help our students warms my heart.”

Congrats to Jimmy for winning our 'Hearts of 509J' award!

Kayla DuPont: School Secretary at Metolius Elementary

Kayla DuPont is a school secretary at Metolius Elementary. She is in her first year back at Metolius after working in the same role for 509J Online the last few years. This year, Kayla created a dashboard for school secretaries to use that serves as an all-in-one resource for important info and tools they may need. She regularly seeks feedback on how she can improve, which ties in directly to our value of 'Better Every Day.'

Principal Adam Dietrich nominated her for her outstanding commitment to the Metolius Elementary School community. She is constantly displaying her care for others by going above and beyond for her students, families and staff.

“Kayla is consistently one of those people that go up and beyond to support our students, staff and families. Her dedication, organization and systems driven approach keeps everything running smoothly here in Metolius. She is always eager to learn and improve, bringing strong tech skills that benefit the entire school. Just as important, she leads with kindness and positivity every day. She is truly an invaluable part of our school and just a wonderful person.”

Congrats to Kayla for winning our ‘Hearts of 509J’ award!

Hailee Lanker, Newcomer ELD Teacher at Madras High School

Hailee Lanker is a Newcomer ELD Teacher at Madras High School. She’s in her fourth year working for our district and plays a pivotal role in helping our newcomer students adjust to a new school and setting. She helps her students develop their language skills while also working to build their confidence so they can learn to be a successful student.

She’ll push into other teacher’s classes to support her students outside of her classroom. Madras High’s Chemistry Teacher, Cam Rosenfield, recognized Hailee’s work ethic and commitment to her students and nominated her for the ‘Hearts of 509J’ award.

“Hailee, ELL teachers play an incredibly important role in helping students find their voice and confidence in a new language, and the dedication you show to your students does not go unnoticed. Your hard work, patience, and compassion create a safe and welcoming space where students feel supported as they take on the challenge of learning and growing. Your support of students in a high school chemistry course is especially meaningful. You show up consistently and work right alongside your students, helping them navigate both the complexity of scientific concepts and the challenge of learning in a new language. By doing the work with them, you demonstrate not only your commitment but also your belief that they are capable of succeeding in rigorous academic settings. You consistently go above and beyond to meet your students where they are, providing encouragement, understanding, and the tools they need to succeed. Your commitment helps students develop their language skills while also building the confidence they need to participate, ask questions, and tackle difficult material. The effort, creativity, and care you bring to your work make a lasting difference in the lives of your students. Because of you, they feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. Your dedication truly changes lives, and your students are fortunate to have such a hardworking and compassionate teacher in their corner.”

Congrats to Hailee for winning our 'Hearts of 509J' award!

Jodi Begay, FAN Advocate for JCSD 509J

Jodi Begay is a FAN Advocate for JCSD 509J. In her role, she supports students and families that attend Warm Springs K-8 Academy, Bridges High School, 509J Online, and Big Muddy School. FAN advocates link children and families to critical basic need services with the goal of keeping children healthy and in school.

Jodi provides a direct and convenient way within the school to connect children to vital resources. WSK8 Assistant Principal recognized Jodi’s contributions. Specifically, in building a partnership with the organization, Furnished Hope.

"Jodi consistently goes above and beyond to support our students and families. In her role, she has the opportunity to serve as a bridge between our school and the resources that our families need. She does an exceptional job in connecting our families to support systems. When teachers share a concern about a specific student in need of something, Jodi is responsive and ready to help any way she can. One example is her work in building the relationship between our school and Furnished Hope. Last year, that organization gave out 100 beds to our families. This year, they continued it and gave out 50 beds. What makes Jodi truly special is her quiet and steady leadership. She doesn't seek the spotlight but continues to be a driving force in ensuring the needs of our families are met and our students can focus on their academics when at school. Her impact is profound and our district is fortunate to have her here supporting our staff and families."

Congrats to Jodi for winning our 'Hearts of 509J' award!

Kindra Heaton, Special Education Teacher at Madras Elementary

Kindra Heaton is a Special Education Teacher at Madras Elementary School. She's in her second year working at Madras El and plays a vital role in providing a strong behavior program for students. She approaches each day with a positive attitude and finds solutions that are best for her students.

She has stepped up and taken on more responsibility recently and working with life skills students as well at her school. Principal Jean Bendele wanted to recognize her contributions to the students and school and nominated her for our ‘Hearts of 509J’ award.

“It is so important to have strong behavior support programs in elementary schools these days, and Kindra plays a vital role in providing that with her attitude and skill set at Madras Elementary. She works collaboratively to find solutions that are best for students. She approaches some tough situations with a great attitude and compassion and finds creative solutions that are best for her students each day. She is excellent at creating a calming environment for her students where she and her team can focus on teaching social skills and developing coping strategies. In addition, Kindra has stepped up and taken on more responsibility by working with some of our life skills students. She is an invaluable member of our team and I am thankful for how she cares for our students each and every day. Kindra is focused on seeing each one of her students flourish here.”

Congrats to Kindra for winning our 'Hearts of 509J' award!

Krissy Woodriff, Bus Driver for JCSD 509J

Krissy Woodriff is one of our bus drivers and a driver trainer. In her role, she is often the first and last person our students interact with when beginning and ending their school days. She works on setting a positive tone for the students on their way to learn and greets each student with a smile and warm welcome.

Krissy is a veteran bus driver, driving for two other school districts before joining us. She's in her second year with our district and we couldn't be happier to have her as part of our transportation team. Her supervisor, Eddie Adams, nominated her for 'Hearts of 509J' for her work in stepping up and serving as a driver trainer and for creating a welcome environment on her bus for students.

“Krissy Woodriff is a veteran driver and is also one of our driver trainers. She keeps one of the cleanest buses out on the lot. She helps her students flourish by not only keeping them safe when they ride and having a good relationship with them. She cares everyday and shows that care in how she conducts herself with all she comes in contact with. By being a driver trainer she is helping the whole team be better every day, from the students to the peers she works with. Krissy also has a very strong tie to the community and shows that in how she conducts herself. What an amazing person. I look up to her in so many ways and am happy that she is part of this team.”

Congrats to Krissy for winning our 'Hearts of 509J' award!

Ansel Evans, School Counselor at Metolius Elementary

Ansel Evans is a school counselor at Metolius Elementary School. . In his role, he plays a vital role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students. He works to create spaces where students can build positive relationships, develop confidence, and learn important skills.

Through classroom lessons, individual support, small groups and working with families, he helps ensure our students flourish at Metolius! He’s worked for four years in this position! Metolius’ Kindergarten Teacher, Taylor Thompson, nominated him for 'Hearts of 509J' for his work in supporting students and staff.

“Ansel is deeply committed to the well-being of both our students and staff. He goes above and beyond to listen, support, and care for everyone in our school community. When teachers seek guidance or need help supporting students, Ansel listens with empathy and never diminishes the challenges we face. His genuine praise and thoughtful feedback make teachers feel seen, valued, and appreciated. Ansel recognizes the hard work we put in each day, and his kindness and encouragement make a lasting difference. I truly appreciate his compassion, professionalism, and the positive energy he brings to our school.”

Congrats to Ansel for winning our 'Hearts of 509J' award!

Butch Wallace, Head Custodian at Buff Elementary

Butch Wallace is our head custodian at Buff Elementary School. He is a key contributor to making Buff a place where students flourish. He ensures their learning environments, gym, cafeteria and outside areas are clean, safe, and ready for them. He does all of this with a smile on his face while greeting the students and making them feel welcome.

Buff’s Principal, Erika Skaar, nominated him for 'Hearts of 509J' for his work in being a friendly face for students and staff and for his positive attitude while keeping the school clean.

“Butch brings so much energy and joy to the halls at Buff! He keeps our building running smoothly and in tip-top shape each and every day! He’s always here with a smile, a helping hand, and a positive attitude to make Buff the best place it can be for students to flourish here. Whether he’s helping solve unexpected problems, keeping our campus nice and clean, or simply being a friendly face to each one of our students, he does it all with care and pride. We’re so grateful for all he does for our students and staff. Buff loves you Butch!”

Congrats to Butch for winning our 'Hearts of 509J' award!