The 2022-2023 building-level Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Support Staff of the Year (SSOY) honorees were surprised by special presentations. These staff members were nominated by students, parents and co-workers and chosen as the honoree from their building by their fellow staff members. They are: 

• Early Childhood – Sharon Wood (TOY) and Jennifer McDowell (SSOY)

• Bridgeway – Jessica Esquivel (TOY) and Renee Davenport (SSOY)

• Drummond – Brittany Garcia (TOY) and Stephanie Kellner (SSOY)

• Parkwood – Abigail Beckermann (TOY) and Jarrett Harrison (SSOY)

• Rose Acres – Joseph Rehagen (TOY) and Vickie Moore (SSOY)

• Willow Brook – Jennifer Rogers (TOY) and Christina Finazzo-Purl (SSOY)

• Remington – Emily Cook (TOY) and Malissa Fedrick (SSOY)

• Holman – Matthew Parker (TOY) and Caroline Burgess (SSOY)

• Pattonville Heights – Wendy Mathis (TOY) and Mallorey Burns (SSOY)

• Pattonville High School – Danelle Emerick (TOY) and Debra Dold (SSOY)

• District Services – Emily Groneck (SSOY)

These staff members will have the chance to advance in the district-level process and will be recognized at District Appreciation Night on May 1. Click here to see a full list of nominees. 

Pattonville High School senior Miguel “Miggy” Perez can say something that no one else at school can say — he’s a professional soccer player. In February, Perez signed a three-year Major League Soccer (MLS) homegrown contract to play on the St. Louis City SC team as a midfielder. A MLS homegrown contract allows teams to sign local players from their own development academies.

“It’s always been my dream to play professional soccer, but playing for my hometown, it’s even more special because I can inspire little kids and keep letting them know that it’s possible,” Perez said.