A principal, a secretary, and an instructional coach are the first recipients of the FRED award for the 2024-25 school year, honored for their commitment to their work and providing students with a first-class education. Molly Mojden, Jazmin Ramirez Ruiz, and Olivia McCartney were recognized by the Board of Education at the November 12 meeting.

 

 

TKP staff showed up in force with signs and applause as Language Arts teacher Jessica Assay shared her nomination letter. She wrote, “Molly is the epitome of a good principal. She cares deeply about her staff and students and makes time on busy days for check-ins. She works tirelessly to keep the school running and to support our school culture.”

 

 

Two coworkers at Hidden Lake Secondary School nominated Ruiz.

 

Social Worker Karen Marler wrote, “She is willing to help anyone who comes into the office. She is always welcoming and has a warm smile to offer students, parents, and staff.” Marler provided an example. “ When I injured myself and needed to see a doctor, she was so reassuring, made all the phone calls, and was a shoulder to cry on. She is so kind and caring. She steps up to help whenever and wherever needed.“

 

Teacher, Mark Belnay added, “She is the mom of HLHS. She is the reason the school runs so smoothly and she does this even with a myriad of things to do daily. If you need something you ask and it is there and there is never a time when she does not make the effort to go out of her way to fulfill your needs.”

 

 

Principal Lindsay Lohman and Assistant Principal Kodi Kelly nominated McCartney. The two school leaders wrote, “She has joined CSLA this year with an unwavering commitment to helping teachers feel more confident and comfortable in delivering quality instruction. Staff members feel supported and safe to be vulnerable and honest with her while they work towards their professional goals and the goals of their students.”

 

The FRED award is named after a real-life postal employee who went out of his way to do extraordinary work in what could seem to be an ordinary line of work. The book “The Fred Factor” profiles him and is an inspirational reminder about the difference people can make when they go above and beyond in their daily work.