Pride of Pattonville

The Pride of Pattonville award is the district's most prestigious honor. Pride of Pattonville awards are given to recognize excellence in performance, service, character and contributions demonstrated by those who serve Pattonville.

The Pride of Pattonville Award was established in 1980 to honor and recognize staff, parents and community volunteers for service to the district, above and beyond expectations.

Criteria

Service to the district above and beyond the call of duty
Years and a variety of types of service
Support of the district as a whole and participation in its functions
Excellence in job performance as a staff member or volunteer

Process

Nominations open in February.
A screening committee consisting of Pride of Pattonville award recipients from the previous two years makes the selection from the nominations submitted by staff, students, parents and community members. A maximum of 10 awards is given each year.
The committee notifies the recipients of their selection at least one week before the district's annual District Appreciation Night in May, which is when the awards are presented.

Eligibility

Any current district employee, parent or other friend of Pattonville is eligible to receive a Pride of Pattonville award.

2025 Honorees

A group of people stand in a row holding a plaque during an awards ceremony

The 2024-2025 Pride of Pattonville honorees are, from left, front row, Rebecca Krohn, community service teacher and English learner (EL) counselor, Pattonville High School; Jon Hisaw, auditorium technical director, high school; Rob Lamb, science teacher, high school; Rodney Spann, building custodial supervisor, Pattonville Heights Middle School; and Mark Storer, school resource officer (SRO), high school; and, back row, Dr. Melanie Fitzgerald, coordinator, Pattonville Early Childhood Center; Jill Ramig, library technology specialist, Academy of Innovation at Remington; Sierra Dertinger, library technology specialist, Drummond Elementary School; Lanee' Hasenkamp, physical education teacher, high school; and Anna White, instrumental music teacher, high school.

About the Honorees

Sierra Dertinger, Library Technology Specialist at Drummond Elementary School

Sierra Dertinger has been sharing her love of reading in Pattonville since she was an elementary student. A Pattonville graduate, she came back to begin her career as a classroom teacher at Drummond Elementary School. After six years of teaching third and fourth grade, she has spent the past two years as the library technology specialist, dedicating her role in the library to creating exciting opportunities that students, staff and families all love.

“She works hard beyond the school day to encourage and create opportunities that make our kids want to read,” counselor Carla Robertson said.

Dertinger runs two book clubs — one after school for students and another before school for staff to get together. She organizes popular events for the school, such as an annual book tasting event, where students sample different books in a café-decorated library, and the Masked Reader event based on the popular TV show, where students vote on disguised staff reading popular books. She spends time coordinating book fairs, Bookmobile visits and unique author visits. Dertinger has served on district committees for AI and curriculum development, led building and district professional development sessions and collaborates with teachers every week to create lessons that are both fun and educational for students.

“Sierra is incredibly organized and thoughtful in her lesson choices,” fourth grade teacher Amy Powell said. “She loves books more than anyone I know.”

Dertinger’s passion and connections with students and families extends beyond the school day. She runs an Instagram page for Drummond’s library, learns about new and upcoming books, organizes author visits and connects with students outside of the classroom — cheering for them at student events, interacting with families at Drummond’s Chili Supper or Fun Fair and attending PTO meetings.

“Sierra is an advocate for Pattonville,” Robertson said. “She supports the curriculum and works hard to create opportunities that bring literacy awareness to our students, families and staff.”

Dr. Melanie Fitzgerald, Coordinator at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center

Dr. Melanie Fitzgerald is a coordinator at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center, overseeing the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program and supervising early intervention screenings available to all families across the district. This school year she was appointed president of the Missouri Parents as Teachers Association (MOPATA), serving eight county regions, leading monthly meetings and providing training for members and early childhood advocates.

“Mel goes above and beyond to support parent educators and their families,” parent educator Krysteen Eusen said. “She always makes time to meet when we have questions, concerns or just need to problem-solve.”

Fitzgerald is also a nonviolent crisis intervention trainer through the Crisis Prevention Institute, equipping staff with tools to handle crisis situations safely and confidently.

“She ensures that early childhood staff are up to date with training,” social worker Erica Abowitz said. “She also makes sure that the student support team is well trained and comfortable with the process of de-escalation and crisis intervention. Sometimes it feels like Mel ‘does her magic’ and is able to work through any given situation with success. Watching her in action with students with her firm, yet loving manner is remarkable and unforgettable.”

Fitzgerald introduced Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program to the school, is a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor and is an active member of the school’s PTO. Her colleagues have expressed gratitude for plethora of experience in education she brings to early childhood.

“Mel is one of the most passionate educators I have ever worked with,” Abowitz said. “She guides and inspires both new and seasoned educators.”

Lanee' Hasenkamp, Physical Education Teacher at Pattonville High School

Lanee’ Hasenkamp’s dedication to Pattonville runs deep. She is a 1994 graduate, a teacher at Pattonville High School for 23 years and is a proud parent of two students currently attending schools in the district. Her commitment to the school community continues a family legacy as her mother, Dr. Dorothy King, taught math at the high school for 34 years.

Hasenkamp’s service goes well beyond the classroom. When her children attended Willow Brook Elementary School, she helped organize parade floats and International Night, while encouraging other families to get involved. She volunteered as a Cub Scout den and troop leader where she planned camping trips, organized fundraisers and coordinated popcorn sales. She has served as a PTO volunteer at Willow Brook, Holman Middle School and the high school, helping with homecoming setup, concessions, field trips and more. As a team mom for Jr. Pirates and a reliable carpool driver, she’s a constant presence at both school and community events.

“She is all about community involvement,” special education speech pathologist Estella Hunter said. “When there is an activity for the high school or Jr. Pirates, her family is there to support.”

Hasenkamp has coached cross country, swim and dive and track and field. She attends and supports after-school events across the district, from band concerts to debate tournaments to choir performances. She has served on numerous district committees including calendar, Career, Technology and Education (CTE), CSIP, curriculum, PNEA, Portrait of a Graduate and Problem Solvers, offering her voice and time to help shape the district’s future. Hasenkamp is seen as an encouraging mentor and trusted colleague.

Jon Hisaw, Auditorium Technical Director at Pattonville High School

Since 2007, Jon Hisaw has played an essential role in the Pattonville theater program, serving as the auditorium technical director at Pattonville High School. For 36 productions, and counting, he has guided students in transforming designs into dynamic, imaginative and safe sets. His work is both an instructional opportunity and a creative collaboration, bringing each production to life with care and precision.

“Jon serves our district community by navigating an often hectic auditorium schedule while ensuring a timely and safe environment in which the students prepare and perform,” theater director Lara Corvera said. “He does so much for Pattonville theater behind the scenes and does it with both a love for the students learning and a love for the craft of technical theater.”

Hisaw spends evenings and weekends working around rehearsal schedules to ensure students have the space and support they need. He teaches tool safety and proper construction techniques, actively seeks out donations of tools and materials and thoughtfully recycles and reuses set pieces to allocate resources wisely. He even recruits volunteers for large-scale projects.

“Jon’s beautiful, functional and safe sets have been seen by thousands of friends, family, students and community members,” vocal music teacher Melynda Lamb said. “He sees his job as a service to this community.”

Pattonville’s plays and musicals draw enthusiastic audiences from all ages across the district, and Hisaw’s work is a major part of that success.

“He has described his work here as a light in his life,” science teacher Megan Kemper said. “If you have seen any of the shows at PHS, you will see that every part is a labor of love, including the beautiful sets!”

Rebecca Krohn, A+/Community Service Coordinator, English Learner Counselor at Pattonville High School

During her 29 years at Pattonville High School, Rebecca Krohn has served in roles ranging from Spanish teacher to her current position as A+ and community service coordinator and English learner (EL) counselor. Her work reflects a long-standing, deep commitment to student success.

“Becky is one of the most devoted colleagues I have worked with in the field of education,” counselor Christy Wills said. “Her unwavering commitment to her students is evident in the hours she dedicates meticulously reviewing details to ensure EL students are empowered to reach their fullest potential.”

As the EL counselor, Krohn helps families navigate school systems to provide support beyond the school day and advocate for student needs.

“She is the go-to person for our EL students,” secretary Cynthia Hall said.

Krohn also plays a vital role in connecting students with tutoring and service needs, often working with staff to develop service opportunities that accommodate families facing transportation or schedule restrictions.

“She constantly supports students and parents in navigating and pursuing community service opportunities,” social worker Michelle Miletic said.

Krohn leads the Pirate Connections team to support college and career readiness, serves on the Curriculum Coordinating Council, sponsored the New Friends Disability Awareness Club and co-led the annual wheelchair basketball game. Her knowledge and care make a lasting difference.

“You can ask her almost any question about Pattonville and she’ll be able to provide you with an answer,” counselor Megan Harrison said. “She is willing to help anyone who asks and continually goes above and beyond for families.”

Rob Lamb, Science Teacher at Pattonville High School

Rob Lamb has spent 20 of his 22 years teaching and shaping science education at Pattonville High School. A Pattonville graduate himself, Lamb now leads the science department and has coached cross country, boys swim and dive and track and field, contributing to athletic programs for more than a decade. His impact reaches beyond the high school. He has served on building and district professional development committees and the Teacher Advisory Council, helping shape teaching and learning across the district.

“His leadership on these committees shares the voice of many Pattonville employees,” math teacher Kyle Hall said. “He has continued to steer the district in a direction that is a great place for students to learn and for staff to work.”

A passionate advocate for professional growth, Lamb volunteers his time with several community organizations that support educators and has encouraged fellow staff to do the same. His commitment to innovation in science instruction has also led to seven grant awards from organizations like the National Science Foundation and Pattonville Education Foundation (PEF).

Lamb regularly presents research at local, state and national education conferences and has written articles for nationally recognized publications like The Science Teacher. His work has earned multiple regional and national honors, including the NSTA Robert E. Yager Excellence in Teaching Award and the American Chemical Society’s St. Louis Region Teacher of the Year.

“It’s coworkers like him that make me want to root myself in this district,” science teacher Kathleen Gengler said. “I want to surround myself with people as supportive and compassionate as Rob — people who, through both their actions and their words, show their love for their career and community.”

Jill Ramig, Library Technology Specialist at the Academy of Innovation at Remington

For more than two decades, Jill Ramig has inspired a love of learning in Pattonville students. Serving as the library technology specialist at the Academy of Innovation at Remington, her work is grounded in student connection and a passion for literacy.

Ramig leads an impressive range of literacy initiatives for students. From curating weekly selections for the schoolwide Book a Day program to organizing the student-led Bookcademy Awards, her efforts foster a shared love of stories across the school. She coordinates author visits, virtual chats for World Read Aloud Day, interactive book tastings, Mark Twain nominee reveals and Mystery Lit Boxes — all designed to spark curiosity and engagement.

Ramig plays a key role in supporting Remington’s shift to personalized learning, collaborating closely with classroom teachers to align library resources with instruction. She’s also instrumental in planning student Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), working on the committee to organize which ELOs each student is assigned to.

“She’s effective at this task because she knows every student,” English learner teacher Michele Hill said. “She’s a true partner in students’ learning.”

Ramig supports districtwide efforts by helping organize the Middle School Book Battle, coordinating author visits with other librarians and serving on the Teacher Advisory Council and Remington’s Building Leadership Team. She is a National Board Certified Teacher whose deep knowledge of literature and commitment to student growth have made her a true partner in learning.

“Jill is dedicated to her profession,” Hill said. “She is an asset to our district.”

Rodney Spann, Custodial Supervisor at Pattonville Heights Middle School

After serving in the military, Rodney Spann joined Pattonville in 2006 as an evening custodian, eventually moving to days and stepping into the role of lead custodial supervisor in 2019. He has has brought an unwavering commitment for excellence to every corner of the building he helps maintain.

“He is a role model for students and staff as someone who is humble, hardworking and takes pride in his work,” principal Dr. Mark Houston said.

In addition to supervising and training custodial staff, Spann is known for working side-by-side with his team, always leading by example, responding quickly to any staff requests and coordinating setup for every student event. Whether organizing the lunch line to help cafeteria staff or serving as crossing guard on Fee Fee Road, Spann consistently goes far beyond what’s expected.

“What’s best for kids is his mindset for what he and his staff can do daily to provide the best learning enviornment for students and staff,” Houston said.

Spann has opened and closed the building countless times for weekend events and preps the school for large-scale gatherings like the area-wide Book Battle and Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) meetings. His dedication ensures every guest sees Pattonville Heights at its best.

“During the summer he comes in at 2 or 3 a.m. to get up to seven layers of wax on the floor,” Houston said. “We routinely get asked how we keep our floors so white and shiny by visitors.”

Spann models deep care for students, staff and the community.

“He is universally well-respected and valued for his contributions to the Heights family,” Houston said. “It is an honor to work with a man of his values, commitment and dedication.”

Mark Storer, School Resource Officer at Pattonville High School

For 12 years officer Mark Storer has served as the school resource officer (SRO) at Pattonville High School, bringing not only a commitment to safety, but also a deep investment in the well-being of the students, staff and families he supports. He ensures the campus is secure, helps de-escalate crisis situations and supports with mental health and behavioral needs. His daily presence and genuine care have made him a trusted figure in the school.

“His ability to balance law enforcement with compassionate mentorship make him an outstanding example of public service,” assistant principal Dr. Jon Fitzgerald said. “His professional, caring demeanor is a source of strength.”

Storer’s approachable, calm and empathetic personality make him someone students regularly turn to for advice, support or simply a listening ear. He creates a sense of safety and stability in routine school days and in high-pressure moments.

“His approach is holistic, focusing on solutions that prioritize the well-being of students while maintaining a safe learning environment,” Fitzgerald said. “His collaborative spirit has created a sense of unity among faculty, staff and families, all of whom rely on his expertise and judgement.”

In addition to his safety and mentorship duties, officer Storer is a familiar face in classrooms. He has volunteered his time to guest lecture in classes such as Driver’s Education, Forensics, and Youth and Law, offering real-world insight into topics like law enforcement, legal rights and civic responsibility. Storer is also a valued presence outside of regular school hours, attending nearly every football game and many evening, weekend and summer events to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.

Anna White, Instrumental Music Teacher at Pattonville High School

Anna White is a driving force in Pattonville’s music program. For 14 years, she split her time traveling between Pattonville Heights Middle School and Pattonville High School. Since 2019, her teaching has been focused at the high school, where she leads numerous ensembles like jazz band, percussion and pit orchestra for the spring musical. This year, she expanded her leadership as the district’s instrumental music lead resource teacher.

Whether organizing concerts, writing grants, planning trips or adding thoughtful touches at meetings, White brings dedication and heart to everything she does. She meets students where they are, builds strong relationships and inspires them to reach their potential. Under her guidance, students regularly achieve top honors at festivals and auditions, and the Pride of Pattonville Marching Band has earned more than nine championship titles.

“Ms. White has shown a commitment to the district and high school, but more importantly she has shown a commitment to all the students that come through the door,” parent Heather Gallagher said. “She is one of the main reasons the kids enjoy marching band so much.”

White’s summers are filled with band camps, parades and preparing for a new year of performances. Her impact is felt in classrooms, at assemblies, on football fields, at the state music conference and more. She also mentors future educators, serves on the high school leadership team and helps shape curriculum across the district through various committees.

“Before she was my colleague, she was my band director in high school and is one of the people who inspired me to teach music for a living,” instrumental music teacher Laura Livesay said. “I have always looked up to her and I know the students do too.”