An outstanding 32 team members, volunteers, and community partners were honored at Affton School District’s 28th Annual Service and Outstanding Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Awards on April 24. The District’s Distinguished Service Award winners and a special Superintendent’s Award were also presented.
“It is my honor to recognize 32 exceptional individuals who help make Affton strong,” said Dr. Travis Bracht, superintendent. Each of our nominees has something in common—they have all gone above and beyond in their actions and have shined in their efforts to make a difference for our students, our schools, and our community.”
Pictured from left: Alda Kafazi, Gayle Peach, Nicole Bramer, Emily Grozdanić, Jared Pruessner, and Jim Eye
Six nominees received the prestigious SOAR Award. They include:
Nicole Bramer, Special School District (SSD) Teacher at Gotsch Intermediate School;
Jim Eye, Community Partner with Indox Services;
Emily Grozdanić, Volunteer & President of Affton Parents Club;
Alda Kafazi, Teacher Assistant at Gostch Intermediate School;
Gayle Peach, Special School District (SSD) Teacher at Gotsch Intermediate School; and
Jared Pruessner, Math Interventionist & Teacher at Rogers Middle School.
Pictured from left: Stephanie Borgmann, Sara Rugg, Beckie Rainbolt, Sumer Mueller, Pam Miller, and Dr. Travis Bracht (Not pictured: Jen Beavers and Ann Pelt)
In addition, seven members of the SSD Crisis Team were recognized as SOAR Award recipients for their support in the wake of an unimaginable tragedy at Affton High School. Following the profound loss of a student and classmate, the SSD Social Work Team exemplified extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and dedication. Their swift, comprehensive response supported students, staff, teachers, and families, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the Affton School District's values and community.
These seven SSD social workers and nominees include:
Jen Beavers, SSD Crisis Team;
Stephanie Borgmann, Rogers Middle School Social Worker & SSD Crisis Team;
Pam Miller, Affton High School Social Worker & SSD Crisis Team;
Sumer Mueller, SSD Crisis Team;
Ann Pelt, Affton Early Childhood Social Worker & SSD Crisis Team;
Beckie Rainbolt, Mesnier Primary & Affton High School Social Worker & SSD Crisis Team; and
Sara Rugg, Gotsch Intermediate Social Worker & SSD Crisis Team.
Affton School District also recognized recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Service Award. This is the third year for these awards, and they are designed to recognize outstanding support staff employees across the district. Our support staff employees play a vital role in the success of our students, and we want to honor the hard work and dedication put forth to make each school year run smoothly.
Six nominees received the 2024 Distinguished Service Award. They include:
Myriam Desir, Classroom Leader at Affton Early Childhood;
Esma Besic, Custodian at Mesnier Primary;
Alma Ferko, Head Custodian at Gotsch Intermediate;
Debbie Boyer, Custodian at Rogers Middle School;
Syrja Cekrezi, Custodian at Affton High School; and
Megan Kopriva, District Registrar at Central Office.
Pictured from left: Dr. Travis Bracht and Retired Fire Chief Nick Fahs
Nickolas R. Fahs, retired fire chief of the Affton Fire Protection District and an Affton High School Class of 1981 graduate, received the 2024 Superintendent’s Award for his dedication and service to the Affton community. Fahs has devoted over 30 years of service to fire safety and community protection, with over 15 years as Captain of Mehlville Fire Protection District and six years as Fire Chief of the Affton Fire Protection District. He has served on numerous boards and committees supporting the Affton community, including the Affton Education Foundation and the Affton Chamber of Commerce, and received multiple commendations for bravery and exemplary service, including a prestigious national award for leadership in fire safety. Fahs was also recognized by the Affton Education Foundation as a 2020 inductee into the Affton Hall of Fame. Retired, he leaves the Affton Fire Protection District with a legacy of professionalism, improved safety records, and a community-oriented approach to firefighting and emergency response.
“This year’s Superintendent Award recipient embodies the vision, core values, and heart of the Affton School District. Retired Fire Chief Nick Fahs is not only an alumnus of the district, but he has remained loyal and steadfast in supporting our teachers, students, team, schools, and community,” said Bracht. “He excelled in his field throughout his career and dedicated countless hours toward serving the Affton community. We are so very proud of Nick and all of his accomplishments, and are grateful for his service.”
In addition to the 13 SOAR Award winners, the Distinguished Service Award winners, and the winner of the Superintendent’s Award, 19 others were nominated and honored at the ceremony:
Lexi Berra, School Counselor at Affton High School;
Jennifer Gomez, First Grade Teacher at Mesnier Primary;
Katie Guntli, SSD Speech Language Pathologist at Rogers Middle School
Nicki Hejlek, Fourth Grade Teacher at Gotsch Intermediate;
Kathleen Hollenberg, SSD Teacher at Rogers Middle School;
Samantha Kempf, Seventh Grade Math Teacher at Rogers Middle School;
Debra Klemme, Chartwells Food Service at Affton High School;
Cheryl Ladd, Kindergarten Teacher at Mesnier Primary;
Amanda Lewman, Teacher Assistant at Mesnier Primary;
Dan Ludwig, Social Emotional Learning Interventionist at Affton High School;
Alison Nixon, Seventh Grade Social Studies Teacher at Rogers Middle School;
Sharon and Sue Palmer, SSD Substitute Teachers at Affton School District;
Andrew Richter, Custodian at Affton High School;
Laura Sexton, Kindergarten Teacher at Mesnier Primary;
Sharon Shoemaker, APEX Teacher at Affton High School;
Jennifer Spengemann, Fifth Grade Teacher at Gotsch Intermediate;
Shelby Wetstein, Second Grade Teacher at Mesnier Primary; and
Dr. Loren Widmer, Director of Student Services at Affton School District.