Staff Shining Star Awards
Staff Shining Star Award
The Fairview Park Shining Star Award is given to an employee monthly during the school year. These employees are recognized for their exceptional work and contributions to their building during the month. Any employee in the district is eligible for the Shining Star Award.
2024-2025 Staff Shining Star Award Winners
January
January 2025
Fairview High School/Mayer Middle School
We are excited to announce that Mr. Ryan Graff has been named this month’s Fairview Park City Schools Shining Star.
Mr. Graff, a dedicated high school art teacher, coach, and mentor, continuously goes above and beyond for his students and the community. As a true team player, he collaborates across departments, always seeking ways to inspire and engage his students. Whether it's through classroom instruction, extracurricular activities, or community-based art projects, Mr. Graff has a unique ability to bring students together and encourage them to explore their creativity beyond the classroom walls.
His commitment to community engagement stands out, as he actively involves his students in local initiatives that leave a lasting impact. His leadership both on and off the field, combined with his passion for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, makes him an invaluable asset to our school.
As a talented artist himself, Mr. Graff serves as a wonderful role model, showing his students the importance of pursuing their passions and developing their skills.
Congratulations, Mr. Graff, and thank you for everything you do for our students.
Gilles-Sweet Elementary
We are proud to recognize Michelle Krivosh as our Gilles-Sweet Shining Star Teacher!
Michelle is an exceptional educator who truly takes the time to get to know her students on a deep and meaningful level. She has worked with some of our students with the most challenging needs, always finding a way to connect with them and ensure they receive the emotional and academic supports necessary for their success.
Beyond her impact in the classroom, Michelle is a dedicated building leader who plays a vital role in our Building Leadership Team (BLT). She skillfully guides her colleagues through data analysis and the implementation of programs like Phonics in Motion and Wonders. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to continuous improvement make a lasting difference in our school community.
We are incredibly grateful to have Michelle as a part of our team. Her unwavering dedication and passion for both her students and colleagues make her more than deserving of this Shining Star Award. Congratulations, Michelle!
Board of Education Office & District Maintenance Department
While the quaint town of Fairview Park is nestled in its warm and comfy beds, one person is out and about at all hours of the night, braving all the winter elements to ensure we can safely and comfortably open up a school for yet another day! We are honored to recognize this person as our January Staff Shining Star, Sean Ranc! It isn't uncommon to find Sean here during the winter hours at 3:00 am as he pushes the pace to try and battle the snowflakes to get all the sidewalks and parking lots cleared and safe for staff and students. It is a grind day after day, but he never wavers from his commitment to the district and the safety of everyone.
Sean’s dedication to the district goes far beyond his position in the maintenance department. On top of his year-round commitment to the football program, he can frequently be found chipping in and lending a helping hand wherever needed if it means helping kids and the district. Just recently, on an early Saturday morning, he traveled over an hour away to rescue a stranded group of kids who were experiencing a mechanical failure. He could have certainly ignored the call or said he wasn't available. But instead, he once again unselfishly gave of himself to help out in a desperate situation. This truly embodies the sense of pride, commitment, and unselfishness he has for the entire district from top to bottom. Thank you for all that you are to the staff, students, and community of Fairview Park!
December
December 2024
Gilles-Sweet Elementary
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Gilles-Sweet Elementary School, we are proud to recognize Mr. Marc Boggs as our December Shining Star Staff recipient.
Marc Boggs has been recognized as our December Staff Shining Star! Marc is always ready to lend a hand around the building with a smile, even in unexpected situations. Teachers frequently praise his work as thorough and conscientious. He’s also known for his thoughtful gesture of leaving small treats in the teachers’ rooms he cleans, bringing joy to everyone he supports.
Whenever there’s an after-school event, such as the Sweet Pea Dance or kindergarten registration, Marc goes the extra mile to make volunteers feel welcome and is always available to provide support. His kindness and dedication make a lasting impact on our school community.
Mr. Boggs embodies the spirit of excellence, values, and mission of the Fairview Park City School District. We extend our gratitude to Marc for his hard work, dedication, and the positive impact he has on the students, families, and staff of Gilles-Sweet Elementary School.
Parkview Early Education Center
Amy Dziak has been selected as the EEC Shining Star for December, and it’s no surprise why! Her positive, can-do attitude in an uplifting and welcoming environment for everyone around her. Always willing to lend a hand, she is ready to take on any challenge! Amy is a great team player and takes initiative in everything she does. When it comes to the students, their well-being is first in her thoughts, ensuring they feel supported and cared for. Amy’s sense of humor brings much-needed comic relief, making her a joy to work with and a true asset to the EEC community. Congratulations, Amy!
Fairview High School/Mayer Middle School
We are thrilled to recognize Mrs. Peters as the recipient of the Fairview Park City Schools Shining Star Award for the month of January. Meghann’s dedication, creativity, and compassion make her an invaluable member of our school community.
As a French teacher at Fairview High School, Mrs. Peters brings passion and innovation to her classroom every day, inspiring her students to engage with language and culture. Beyond her teaching role, Meghann leads the Key Club, where she has recently helped introduce the Community Care Closet—a wonderful initiative that exemplifies her commitment to supporting students and families in need.
Most recently, Mrs. Peters spearheaded World Language Appreciation Week at both Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School, celebrating cultural diversity and the importance of language learning within our community. Her efforts, leadership, and enthusiasm are shaping the positive, inclusive environment we value at Fairview Park City Schools.
Meghann’s caring nature and unwavering dedication truly make a difference, and we are proud to have her as part of our team.
November
November 2024
Parkview Early Education Center
This month, Chyann is the EEC’s Shining Star, and it’s well deserved! She was a big part of getting the new toddler classroom up and running and showed how dependable and hardworking she is. Chyann always has a positive attitude and works well with everyone. She has a great connection with the her young students, parents, and her coworkers. We’re so thankful for everything she does and are excited to celebrate her!
Gilles-Sweet Elementary
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Gilles-Sweet Elementary School, we are proud to recognize Ms. Madison Flagg as our November Shining Star Staff recipient.
Madison demonstrates unwavering dedication to meeting the unique needs of each of her students every day. Her deep empathy and genuine curiosity about what motivates her students, what they need, and what will help them succeed make her an extraordinary educator. She consistently approaches her students with calmness, patience, and understanding.
Madison has also created a school-wide flower delivery service with her students, spreading joy and kindness throughout the building each week. Her exceptional rapport and communication skills shine in her collaboration with education aides, staff members, and her students' families. Even in stressful or heightened situations, Madison remains calm and makes thoughtful decisions to support her students during challenging moments.
Her ever-present smile and sense of humor bring light to even the most difficult days, and her fierce advocacy ensures that her students' needs are met both at school and at home.
Ms. Flagg truly embodies the spirit of excellence, values, and mission of the Fairview Park City School District. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Madison for her hard work, dedication, and the positive impact she has on the students, families, and staff of Gilles-Sweet Elementary School.
Fairview High School/Mayer Middle School
Bryan’s unwavering passion for teaching, dedication to our community, and outstanding volunteer efforts make him an exceptional role model and an invaluable member of the Fairview Park family.
Bryan is deeply committed to nurturing and inspiring his students. His passion for education goes beyond the classroom, where he creates a dynamic and supportive learning environment that empowers students to grow both academically and personally. Whether he’s coaching, mentoring, or simply connecting with students, Bryan’s positive impact is felt by all who work with him.
In addition to his dedication to teaching, Bryan is a devoted member of the Fairview Park community. He has spent countless hours volunteering with the alumni of Fairview High School, always working to strengthen ties and foster school pride. His connection to the school system extends beyond his role as an educator—Bryan is also an honored member of the Fairview High School Athletic Hall of Fame, where he has made lasting contributions to the legacy of Fairview athletics. Furthermore, his leadership is felt on the Fairview High School Hall of Fame Board, where his efforts continue to celebrate and honor the achievements of alumni and staff.
Bryan’s remarkable contributions to our schools and our community embody the spirit of excellence and service that make Fairview Park such a special place. We are proud to recognize him as this month’s Staff Shining Star and grateful for everything he does to make a difference in the lives of our students and our community.
Thank you, Bryan, for your incredible dedication and the positive influence you continue to have on all of us!
October
October 2024
Gilles-Sweet Elementary School
"On behalf of the faculty and staff of Gilles-Sweet Elementary School, it is our pleasure to recognize and honor Mrs. Heidi Kensick as our October Shining Star Staff recipient. Every day, Mrs. Kensick brings warmth, positivity, and a sense of safety to our playground, creating an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Her kind smile and caring presence not only foster a welcoming atmosphere but also encourage students to engage in active play, build friendships, and resolve conflicts with kindness and respect. Mrs. Kensick’s ability to balance structure with compassion has been key in helping our students grow socially and emotionally during such an essential part of their day.
Mrs. Heidi Kensick has played a crucial role in training and supporting new recess monitors, helping them quickly acclimate to their roles. She takes the time to guide new team members, sharing best practices, clear expectations, and strategies for handling various situations that arise on the playground. Heidi’s approachable nature and willingness to answer questions foster a supportive learning environment, enabling new monitors to feel confident and well-prepared. Her mentorship has been essential in building a cohesive, effective team focused on creating a safe and positive experience for all students during recess.
Mrs. Kensick embodies the spirit of excellence, values, and mission of the Fairview Park City School District. A very special thank you to Mrs. Heidi Kensick for all her hard work for the students, their families, and the staff of Gilles-Sweet."
Fairview High School/Mayer Middle School
"I am thrilled to select Mary Kurz as the recipient of the November Staff Shining Star Award. This honor is a testament to the exceptional qualities Mary brings to our school each day.
Mary exemplifies compassion in every interaction, always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand to her students as well as her peers. Her unwavering dedication to her students and colleagues is truly inspiring; she invests her time and energy to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported. Mary’s commitment to fostering a positive learning environment significantly enriches the lives of those around her.
Her infectious humor brings joy to the classroom, creating a welcoming atmosphere where students feel encouraged to express themselves and take risks in their learning. It is a joy to see how her positive spirit lights up the day for both students and staff alike.
Additionally, Mary is a true team player. She collaborates seamlessly with the teaching staff, sharing ideas and resources, and is always willing to step in and help whenever needed. Her genuine care for others resonates throughout our school, making her an invaluable member of our community.
Please join me in congratulating Mary on this well-deserved recognition. Her incredible contributions and lasting impact are deeply appreciated, and we are so fortunate to have her as part of the Fairview family.
Congratulations, Mary!"
Parkview Early Education Center - Board of Education Office
"Belinda is one of those behind-the-scenes employees that truly contributes to the lifeline of the entire district. At any given moment she is wearing multiple hats but never misses a beat from the opening minutes of the day all the way through to closing the doors at the end of the day. She does everything with pride and integrity, while attending to every meticulous detail! She brings such a warm welcome to new employees in the onboarding process, making them feel like a valued part of our Warrior Family from day one. More than anything she is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone across the district when in need. Our entire district is truly lucky to have her skill, care and compassion for what she does! Thank you for living out the heart and soul of what our district is all about!"
September
September 2024
Fairview High School/Mayer Middle School
"I am thrilled to nominate Janice Frygier for the Fairview Park City Schools Shining Star Award. Janice embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator, and her impact on our school community is profound.
As a grade level leader, Janice demonstrates unwavering dedication and an inspiring commitment to her colleagues and students. She fosters collaboration and supports her peers in their professional growth, ensuring that everyone feels valued and empowered. Her positive attitude is contagious, creating a welcoming atmosphere where both students and staff can thrive.
In her role as the student council advisor, Janice not only encourages leadership skills among students but also nurtures their sense of responsibility and community engagement. She inspires them to be active participants in their school and to make a difference in the lives of others.
Additionally, Janice’s work with the Sources of Strength program highlights her commitment to social-emotional learning. She has created a supportive environment where students can develop resilience, build healthy relationships, and learn essential leadership skills.
Beyond her formal roles, Janice volunteers her time and energy, always going above and beyond to support our school community. Her dedication is evident in everything she does, and she consistently demonstrates a genuine investment in the success and happiness of her students.
Janice is a true shining star in our district. Her remarkable contributions and unwavering spirit have made a lasting impact, and I thank her for all she has done over the years to keep us moving forward."
Parkview Early Education Center
"The EEC’s Shining Star this month is Becky Newby!
Miss Becky is the type of person you want to be around! Her unwavering positivity radiates to those around her. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and assist anyone in need. This year she has been working with the new DAP teacher, she has shared past experiences and expertise when working with young children. She has made a positive and seamless transition into her new classroom. Becky has been integral in the set up in the new classroom schedule and activities. She has a gift of building relationships with new and former students and staff . Becky finds solutions to all problems, big or small. She is an asset to the Fairview Park City schools and the EEC is lucky to have her!"
Gilles-Sweet Elementary School
"On behalf of the faculty and staff at Gilles-Sweet Elementary School, we are proud to recognize Mrs. Nicole Pruente as our September Shining Star Staff recipient.
Mrs. Pruente has emerged as a excellent teacher leader at Gilles-Sweet. She actively contributes to the School Operation Council, ensuring smooth operations within our school. Additionally, as a union representative, she fosters strong communication between administration and her fellow union members, promoting a positive school climate.
Mrs. Pruente is an outstanding educator who continually seeks to enhance her skills to support the growth and achievement of all her students. Her detailed and engaging newsletters keep parents well-informed and foster strong communication within the community.
Mrs. Pruente truly embodies the spirit of excellence and the values of the Fairview Park City School District. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Nicole Pruente for her unwavering dedication to our students, their families, and the entire Gilles-Sweet community."