Morton CUSD 709 honors eight retirees and names campus award winners

Morton CUSD 709 recognized eight retirees, dozens of staff and three district award winners during a staff recognition program that combined a retiree video, years-of-service pinning and presentations for district honors. Dr. Troy Teeter led the recognition of retirees and read the names of staff members being honored for five, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 35 years of service.

"It is my pleasure to recognize our eight retirees," Dr. Troy Teeter said as he called retirees to stand for applause. The retirees named included Chris Christie Becker; Steve Brankman; Anthony Crumb; Sandra Dole; Brenda Hefford; Tom Livingood; Holly Piper; and Shane Whaland. Dr. Teeter said the group represented decades of classroom and support work, noting the group totaled about 194 years of combined service.

The district also presented several named awards. The Dana Ashby Memorial Service Award, given in memory of the district's late director of special education and intended to honor outstanding service to students with special needs, went to Cassie Little. The presenter described Little's classroom practices, grant writing that supported service-learning and special education leadership. "I can say I definitely was not expecting that and I'm gonna do my best not to cry," Cassie Little said, thanking colleagues and her "Jefferson family."

The Potter's Hand Award, created to recognize non‑certified staff who play essential roles in student support, was awarded to Holly Pfeiffer. Dr. Teeter read excerpts from 19 nomination letters that praised Pfeiffer's compassion, reliability and discretion. "Shock does not even describe this," Pfeiffer said, acknowledging the surprise and gratitude she felt at the recognition.

The Master Potter Excellence in Education Award — a high honor for faculty or administrators who demonstrate leadership, professionalism and exceptional student relationships — was presented to Christy Becker. Colleagues, parents and former students offered testimonials about Becker's classroom standards and mentoring; Becker noted she has taught for 34 years at Letty Brown and said she loves her school community.

Throughout the program district leaders thanked specific groups of employees — teachers, student support services, coaches, music directors, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, nursing staff, custodial and maintenance staff, and food service teams — and urged staff to take time over the summer to rest and recharge. The moderator closed by reminding staff of a district kickoff video titled "The Calling" and a request to send notes of gratitude as a year-end activity.

The recognition event was largely ceremonial; no formal motions or votes were recorded during the segment. The program combined retiree acknowledgements, multi-year service awards and presentations of the district’s named honors.