School District Announces Awards Honorees

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Kearney School District is proud to recognize our 2026 Team KSD Awards school-level honorees! These are educators and support professionals who exemplify the very best of our district’s vision, mission and values. The honorees were selected from nominations submitted by KSD employees.

“Every day, these team members support students, collaborate with colleagues and families, and help foster school cultures where kids feel known, challenged, and cared for,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “We are grateful for the expertise, leadership, and heart they bring to KSD.”


2026 School Teacher of the Year Honorees:

  • Kearney Early Education Center: Michelle Grote, Early Education Teacher

  • Dogwood Elementary: Kristina Behrendt, 1st Grade

  • Hawthorne Elementary: Katy Foster, 3rd Grade

  • Kearney Elementary: Heather Oldham, 1st Grade

  • Southview Elementary: Sheena Anello, Speech Teacher

  • Kearney Middle School: Lindsey Zoz, Special Education Teacher

  • Kearney Junior High: Samantha Rothfuss, English Language Arts

  • Kearney High School: Dr. Brad Miller, Chemistry


2026 School Support Staff of the Year Honorees:

  • Kearney Early Education Center: Stephanie Dolinar, Puppy Pound Lead

  • Dogwood Elementary: Jaden Hensley, Paraprofessional

  • Hawthorne Elementary: Emily Boyer, Building Substitute

  • Kearney Elementary: Greg Nelson, Custodian

  • Southview Elementary: Amanda Textor, Social Worker

  • Kearney Middle School: Sam Hansen, Custodian

  • Kearney Junior High: Ariel Jones, Paraprofessional

  • Kearney High School: Kellie Parker, Paraprofessional

  • Central Office: Marsha Bartow, Executive Administrative Assistant - Academic Services

All of these school-level award recipients will be recognized at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Banquet on April 21. They will also be celebrated during the Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception on Thursday, April 30. That’s when the 2026 KSD Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Partner in Education of the Year award recipients will be revealed.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contributed to this story.