The Shaler Area School District’s Kim Baysek-Young Extra Mile Award recognizes district employees who have gone above and beyond for Shaler Area students or to contribute to the success of the school district. Members of the community nominated teachers, paraeducators, administrators, and more, honoring the ways these staff members invested in student well-being. Nominations were received throughout the fall and winter and reviewed by a panel of district stakeholders.
This year’s awardees include educators and highlight a number of the outstanding clerical and support staff whose dedication and care empower students to thrive in their educational journey. Dr. Bryan O’Black, Superintendent of Schools, shared, “Our staff and educators bring compassion and insight to empower students through every interaction. Each of these individuals are luminaries who not only enrich the lives of our students and families, but inspire their colleagues to grow. We are deeply grateful for their work and thrilled to recognize them.”
This year’s awardees are:
- Lisa Bagwell, Paraprofessional, Shaler Area High School
- Camille Barrett, Teacher, Scott Primary School
- Anita DeStefano, Administrative Assistant, Marzolf Primary School
- Kelly Himes, Teacher, Shaler Area Elementary School
- Meribeth King, Paraprofessional, Shaler Area High School
- Ryan Kinzler, Teacher, Shaler Area High School
- Susan Randall, Teacher, Burchfield Primary School
- Betty Wesolek, Administrative Assistant, Shaler Area High School
The award, previously the “Extra Mile Award,” is named in honor of Mrs. Baysek-Young, a beloved third-grade teacher at Reserve Primary School, who passed away in 2020. During her 22 years with Shaler Area, Mrs. Baysek-Young was an integral part of multiple schoolwide programs and community events and went to incredible lengths to provide students with educational opportunities and experiences. She received the award in 2019 for her unwavering support of students.
