Making a Difference – January 2025 Nominees


The first Making a Difference awards of 2025 are here! These staff members and students are recognized for showing the Waukee CSD values and exceeding expectations in their daily tasks. HR Manager Maggie Holton and Superintendent Brad Buck helped celebrate each nominee by surprising them with a visit and sharing the nominations aloud. Watch to see what great things happen during these visits.

January Nominees

  • Lesley Christensen – Mental Health Coordinator, District Office 
  • Renee Kramer – Administrative Assistant, District Office 
  • Shelley Johnson – Administrative Assistant, District Office 
  • Elyse Hall – Teacher, Northwest High School 
  • Susan Helling – Teacher, Maple Grove Elementary 
  • Jennifer Neal – Counselor, Radiant Elementary 
  • Tammy Boldt – Associate, Radiant Elementary 
  • Nikki Kennedy – Teacher, Shuler Elementary 
  • Anna Halloway – Teacher, South Middle School  
  • Justine Williamson – Teacher, South Middle School  
  • Sadie Vorbrich – Teacher, South Middle School 
  • Kaitlyn Timbo – Nurse, Sugar Creek Elementary
  • Gage Harden – Teacher, Timberline 
  • Melissa Ballantyne – Associate, Trailridge 
  • Michele Brandenburg – Teacher, Trailridge 
  • Rachel Adamson –Teacher, Trailridge 
  • Darian McDonald – Teacher, Trailridge 
  • Alex Snodgrass – Performing Arts Manager, Waukee High School 
  • Angie Schoebel – Associate, Waukee High School 
  • Nathan Jorgensen – Teacher, Waukee High School
  • Christy McNulty – Study Hall Monitor, Waukee Middle School  
  • Sarah Schaefer – Teacher, Waukee Middle School 
  • Faith Griffin – Associate, Vince Meyer Learning Center 
  • Theo Eiten – Student, Vince Meyer Learning Center 

Any staff member who wants to nominate a colleague or student may do so on the District’s intranet. To find the form, scroll down on the homepage until you see the green Making a Difference banner. Students may ask their teachers to help them submit a nomination.