2024-2025 Award Winners

"Ms. Foreman has quickly become a cornerstone of support and positivity in our district. Whether working directly with students or collaborating with colleagues, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone around her feels supported, heard, and valued. Her dedication to her students is evident in everything she does — from creating engaging learning experiences to offering a listening ear and a kind word when it’s needed most.

Known for her warm heart and calm, steady presence, Ms. Foreman is the type of person who steps up without hesitation. Whether it’s volunteering for additional responsibilities, lending a hand during a busy day, or stepping into new roles with enthusiasm and determination, she does so with grace, professionalism, and a smile.

What sets Ms. Foreman apart is not just her work ethic, but her mindset. She embraces challenges as opportunities for growth, and consistently meets her goals with perseverance and a positive attitude. 

The Shining Star Award is reserved for those who truly exemplify the values of Fairview Park City Schools, and there is no doubt that Ms. Foreman reflects the very best of who we are as a district. Her passion for education, her willingness to serve, and her ability to lift others up make her more than deserving of this honor."

"We are thrilled to recognize Ellen Martens as our Staff Shining Star for the month of April! Ellen’s creativity shines through in everything she does—she consistently brings imaginative ideas to the classroom, making learning fun and engaging for her preschool students. Her dedication to putting the children first is truly inspiring, and her passion for early childhood education is evident every day. Ellen is also a wonderful team player—flexible, supportive, and always willing to adjust her schedule to help out her coworkers! Thank you, Ellen, for your outstanding commitment and the positive energy you bring to the EEC!"

"We are delighted to share Mrs. Laura Toner as our Gilles-Sweet Shining Star for the month of April! Mrs. Toner exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator, deeply connecting with her students and fostering and promoting their growth both academically and emotionally.​

One of Mrs. Toner's remarkable contributions is the introduction of Charley, Fairview Park City School District's first certified therapy dog. Recognizing the profound impact that animal-assisted therapy can have on students' well-being, Mrs. Toner pursued certification to bring Charley, a loving chocolate Labrador Retriever, into our school community. Charley's presence has provided comfort and support to students and employees, positively enhancing their school experience and lives. 
 
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Toner plays a pivotal role on Gilles-Sweet’s Building Leadership Team (BLT) and PBIS Committee, guiding collaborative efforts to enrich students' learning and experiences. Her leadership, dedication, and positive attitude contribute significantly to Gilles-Sweet Elementary’s continuous improvement and overall success.

We are incredibly grateful to have Mrs. Toner as part of the Gilles-Sweet Elementary staff. Her unwavering commitment to her students' success and well-being truly makes her our April Shining Star.​"
 

"We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Matt Mears, a dedicated student monitor, has been named this month’s Fairview Park City Schools Staff Shining Star. Matt consistently goes above and beyond in his role, showing outstanding leadership, impeccable organization, and a selfless willingness to assist whenever needed.

Whether he's supervising students, helping in the lunchroom, or stepping in to support various activities, Matt’s dedication and positive attitude make him an invaluable part of our school community. His leadership shines through in the way he connects with students, ensures a safe and welcoming environment, and always steps up to help no matter the task.

Matt’s commitment to making the school a better place for everyone truly reflects the spirit of collaboration and teamwork that defines our school. We are grateful for his hard work, kindness, and the strong sense of responsibility he brings to everything he does.

Thank you, Matt, for all the incredible ways you make our building better."

"We are thrilled to recognize Kathy Tidmore as this month’s Gilles-Sweet Shining Star! Kathy Tidmore has truly gone above and beyond, seamlessly managing the administrative needs of the building while her counterpart, Clair, has been on leave. Not only did she step up to take on both roles, but she also took the time to train the substitute administrative assistant—all while keeping everything running smoothly.

Kathy is always three steps ahead, ensuring that staff, students, and families have the support they need. Her diligence and precision in her work are unmatched, yet she brings an irreplaceable sense of humor to the office. You can always count on Kathy for a well-timed joke and a good laugh, making even the busiest days a little brighter.

One of her colleagues summed it up perfectly:

“I just want to say that Kathy Tidmore has been doing an AMAZING job holding everything together for everyone in the building while Clair is out. We rely on her so much—she is the glue that keeps this school together and flowing, yet she is so pleasant and positive! I just think it would be so deserved if she were to get the Shining Star Award or something like that!”

Kathy, your hard work, dedication, and positive energy do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do—you are truly a Shining Star!"

"Mrs. Yager's expertise and unflagging attention to detail are essential to every aspect of the district's collective enterprise.  Patty is a key member of the area-wide EMIS Coordinators' network.  Colleagues recognize her as an expert and regularly consult her. Her meticulous gathering and diligent reporting of all kinds of data ensure that we are positioned to receive funding and score ratings the district deserves. She knows the ins and outs of testing and exactly who to call for what. She is always professional and kind--a wonderful ambassador for Fairview Schools!"

"We are excited to announce that Erin Anderson has been named this month's Fairview Park City Schools Shining Star!

Erin, a proud Fairview alum of FHS, has been a dedicated member of our district for many years, having served in several roles before taking on the responsibilities of the Attendance Secretary this year. Her deep understanding of our school community, combined with her exceptional organizational skills, has made her transition into this new position seamless. Erin has quickly become a key player in ensuring the daily operations of attendance documentation and tracking runs smoothly and efficiently, and she handles every task with care and precision.

Her personable and approachable nature makes her a favorite among staff, students, and families. Erin's positive attitude and commitment to fostering a welcoming environment have had a lasting impact on everyone she interacts with.

We are incredibly grateful for Erin’s years of service and her continued dedication to the Fairview Schools. Her hard work, professionalism, and passion for supporting our students and staff shine through in everything she does.

Thank you, Erin, for your unwavering dedication and the positive energy you bring to our school community. Congratulations on being named this month’s Shining Star."

"I would like to nominate Karen Banks for the Shining Star Award.  Karen is assigned to Gilles-Sweet Elementary as an educational assistant.  The Early Education Center specifically, DAP (Developmental Assistance Program), works with Matt Krivak, Principal, regarding coverage for absences.  This year it has been a challenge with turnover and absences with our support staff.  Karen has stepped up to the plate to fill in on numerous occasions.  She is flexible, compassionate, and always supportive of our students.  She has been a positive influence on our preschool students whenever she is in the classroom.  She has been an integral member of the DAP team.  We appreciate her dedication and commitment to the students of Fairview Park City Schools."

"On behalf of the faculty and staff of Gilles-Sweet Elementary School, we are proud to recognize Mrs. Barb Bilinsky as our February Shining Star Staff recipient.

Barb Bilinsky is a dedicated and invaluable member of the Gilles Sweet community. She has a remarkable ability to connect with each student, understand their individual needs, and adapt her instructional and behavior management strategies accordingly. Barb’s flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed make her a true team player. She approaches each day with a smile, a great sense of humor, and an unwavering enthusiasm for her students. Always up for a challenge, she finds joy in every child she works with. 

Mrs. Bilinsky embodies the spirit of excellence, values, and mission of the Fairview Park City School District. We extend our gratitude to Mrs. Bilinsky for his hard work, dedication, and the positive impact he has on the students, families, and staff of Gilles-Sweet Elementary 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. 

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! 

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!

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.

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!
 

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. 

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!

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.

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!

"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."
 

"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!"
 

"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!"

"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."

"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!"

"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."