Partnership Awards

Celebrating the Staff Who Make a Difference

Spring 2027

Every day, dedicated teachers and staff across Stillwater Area Public Schools go above and beyond to inspire students, support colleagues, and strengthen our school community. Since 2008, The Partnership Plan's Partnership Awards have recognized these exceptional individuals for their passion, innovation, and lasting impact on students' lives.

Any District 834 teacher or support staff member is eligible to be nominated by students, families, colleagues, or other community members.

2026 Honorees

Congratulations to this year's eight Partnership Award recipients! We are proud to recognize these exceptional educators for the passion, dedication, and lasting impact they make in the lives of students every day.

People celebrating a graduation in a classroom, with a balloon that says 'Congrats!' and gift bags, surrounded by various colorful toys and supplies.

Sheri Berg
Andersen Elementary

A cheerful teacher with long hair tied back, wearing a beige cardigan and jeans, standing in a classroom. Behind her, a large screen displays a schedule for Monday to Wednesday in April 2026. The classroom is decorated with educational posters, a whiteboard, and colorful storage containers. There is a globe on a chair and a patterned rug with school-related designs on the floor.

Yoko Cheatham
Afton-Lakeland Elementary

A classroom with children seated at tables. A woman stands near the wall, which is decorated with colorful star-shaped pictures.

Nancy Daigle
Lake Elmo Elementary

A woman in athletic shorts and a jacket is holding a yellow ball and has her hand on her chest, smiling with her eyes closed in a gymnasium with people and children in the background.

Sheila Folden
Rutherford Elementary

Two people standing in a hallway with tan walls, holding a rainbow-colored helium balloon. One person, an older man with glasses, is wearing a dark jacket and jeans; the other, a young woman with long dark hair, is smiling and holding a red gift bag. There are posters, a clock, and emergency information on the walls behind them.

Claudia Hernandez
Oak-Land Middle School

A smiling man with short hair, wearing a dark gray 'K-State' t-shirt and jeans, stands in a room resembling a classroom.

Jon Hinzman
Stillwater Area High School

A woman standing in a room, covering her mouth with her hand, holding a purple backpack, wearing a white quilted jacket, black pants, and white sneakers. She is standing near a wooden door and a wall with shelves filled with various items.

Jami Stack
Lily Lake Elementary

A group of five people, three adults and two children, standing together in a classroom. Behind them are colorful decorations and educational posters, including drawings of skeletons and signs with English and Spanish pronouns.

Justin Wilman
Stillwater Middle School

Award Recognition

Being selected as a Partnership Award recipient is one of the district's highest community honors.

In addition to being recognized at The Partnership Party each spring, each recipient is awarded a $1,000 grant from The Partnership Plan to benefit the school or program of their choice.

Selection Process

Partnership Award recipients are selected through a competitive review process based on community nominations and letters of support.

Strong nominations highlight how the nominee:

  • Inspires and engages students through innovative teaching or support.

  • Goes above and beyond to create meaningful learning opportunities.

  • Demonstrates passion, professionalism, and a commitment to student success.

  • Makes a lasting impact on their school community.

Reviewers also consider the strength of the nomination materials, letters of support, and the nominee's overall contributions to Stillwater Area Public Schools.

Submit a Nomination

When nominations are open, you'll find the online nomination form here.

To complete a nomination:

  1. Submit the online nomination form.

  2. Arrange for at least two letters of support from individuals who know the nominee's impact, such as students, families, colleagues, or community members.

  3. Letters should describe why the nominee deserves recognition and may be accompanied by photos, videos, or other supporting materials.

Please note that principals and other district administrators are not eligible for Partnership Awards. Because the award recognizes unique and lasting contributions, previous recipients are generally not selected a second time.

Past Award Winners