Platte County School District Takes Home Honors at Northland Excellence in Education Banquet; Siegrist Elementary’s Rachel Minter Named Christa McAuliffe Winner
Platte County R-3 School District represented well at the 39th annual Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce (NRCC) Excellence in Education Banquet, held at the KCI Expo Center on April 23. The event draws nearly 1,000 attendees from 11 Northland school districts and celebrates outstanding students, teachers, staff, and supporters of Northland education. Sixteen PCR-3 staff members were nominated for two categories: Excellence in Classroom Teaching and Excellence in Service to Education. Nine were honored with a special award, and Rachel Minter, special education teacher at Siegrist Elementary, was awarded the Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Classroom Teaching honor. This award has been given since 1987 to the most outstanding nominee for Excellence in Classroom Teaching from all of the Northland school districts.
From her nomination: "She is more than a teacher—she is an advocate, a mentor, and a source of significant support. Her feedback to colleagues is constant and meaningful, ensuring that every child is progressing towards their goals. She willingly does whatever it takes to push students closer to success, offering innovative strategies and solutions that empower both students and teachers alike."
In addition to Mrs. Minter's recognition, special recognition was given to the following recipients:
- PCHS seniors, Jack Bralley, Zachary Linville, and Patrick McCool, received Excellence in Education scholarships
- Cherie Thatcher, Teacher at Barry Elementary, was honored for Excellence in Classroom Teaching
- Mary Dickson, Teacher at Platte County High School, was honored for Excellence in Classroom Teaching
- Bridget Klingele, Teacher at Platte Purchase Middle School, was honored for Excellence in Classroom Teaching
- Shannan Roberts, Teacher at Siegrist Elementary, was honored for Excellence in Classroom Teaching
- Janet DeWeese, Paraprofessional at Barry Elementary, was honored for Excellence in Service to Education
- Jon Brady, Permanent Substitute at Northland Career Center, was honored for Excellence in Service to Education
- Skyler Brizendine, Paraprofessional at Platte Purchase Middle School, was honored for Excellence in Service to Education
- JT Thomas, Director of Transportation, was honored for Excellence in Service to Education
Other PCR-3 classroom teaching nominees included: Jodi Parrish (Compass Elementary), Deanna Houts (Northland Career Center), Katie Moretina (Pathfinder Elementary), and Jennifer Hedgecorth (Platte City Middle School). Other PCR-3 service nominees included: Andrea Beall (Compass Elementary), Lindsey Wolters (Pathfinder Elementary), Valerie Gillilan (Platte City Middle School), and David Hawk (Platte County High School).
Christa McAuliffe was an American teacher from New Hampshire, who was one of the seven crew members who tragically died on the Space Shuttle Challenger. Past PCR-3 Christa McAuliffe winners include Gay Stuart (1992), Terry Hensley (1996), Amy Young (1999), Lenora Miles (2001), Bret Bogart (2017), Kristie Simon (2023), and Nancy Denig (2024).
From the Excellence in Education nominees, PCR-3 selects its teacher, service, and support person of the year, which will be announced in early May.