The Clear Creek Amana Community School District honored its October students and staff during the board meeting, recognizing individual students and teams from elementary through high school and several staff members districtwide.

The cheer team from Clear Creek Amana High School was nominated for student recognition by Dwayne Helgevold; coach Sharon Johnson accepted the honor on the team’s behalf. "Cheer is truly a unique sport that combines athleticism and coordination with community involvement," the nomination said. The board called up the team and accepted the nomination.

At the elementary level, first-grader Cooper was recognized after a nomination read aloud by his teacher, Mrs. Zacharias: "He is kind, caring, and always helpful...He makes our classroom a better place just by being in it." Middle-school student Jordy Ford was also named student of the month; his nominator praised his effort, leadership and persistence.

Staff recognitions included kindergarten teacher Laura Hilton, who was praised for lesson quality, mentoring and long service; Elizabeth Dovesh Owens, recognized for support to the band program; high school staff member Mike McHugh, noted for attending events and demonstrating leadership; and Maury (Director of Buildings and Grounds), recognized for managing facilities operations across the district. Several honorees were unable to attend and their nominations were read by board or district staff.

The board paused for photos after the presentations and moved on to the regular agenda.