Midview Local Schools proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Staff Recognition Celebration, honoring employees marking milestone anniversaries and celebrating those entering retirement. The evening was filled with gratitude, laughter, and a few happy tears, as the district came together to recognize the contributions of its outstanding team members.
This year, 58 staff members were recognized for their years of service, including 16 retirees who are closing their Midview chapters after years of commitment to education and the community. Honorees included:
5 years of service: Sara Burger, Renee Baca, Kathryn Dhayer, Hallie Horne, Christopher Huddleston, Katelyn Kasper, Melissa Nelson, Frank Taylor
10 years of service: Teresa Carnes, Amy Crum, Alina Ludwig, Jesse Morgan, Lucy Mraz, Annie Patterson, Randi Robinson, Chelsey Whitesel
15 years of service: Cara Ryder, Jessica Schneider, Danelle Stover, Heather Zbydnowski
20 years of service: Theresa Crayton, Alice Feldmann, Blair Fisher, Margaret Hirsh, Cassie Lundgard, Kevin Matheson, Mercedes Szuch, Karen Tablett, Lora Terrell-Wright
25 years of service: Robin Bolash, Renee Carpenter, Michelle Snider, Penny Storrie, Heather Szoradi, Jill Ward, Tara White, Jodi Wolf, Jacqueline Young
30 years of service: Mary Booth, Melanie Dougall, Tricia Thomas
40 years of service: Michael Filipiak
Retirees: Jody Anderson, Diane Barrett, Robin Bolash, Mary Booth, Molly Borowy, Stacy Brandenburg, Donald Crawford, Michael Filipiak, Cathy Houston, Marcia Kidney, Tina Kowalski, Sharon Novak, Kelly Papay, Lisa Simpson, Penny Storrie, Sherry Wilson
Service award recipients were presented with certificates and anchor “M” pins to display proudly on their school badge lanyards. Each retiree was gifted a personalized engraved cutting board as a keepsake and was given the opportunity to share a few words during the celebration. Brief biographies—prepared by their supervisors—were read aloud, highlighting their career achievements and lasting contributions (shared below). Midview is grateful for the time, care, and energy each of these individuals has dedicated to the district. Their impact will continue to resonate for years to come!
RETIREE BIOS
Jodi Anderson, MHS Paraprofessional: Jodi has been an essential part of the special education team at Midview, serving as a one-on-one paraprofessional for students with moderate-to-intensive needs. Her dedication, patience, and genuine care for each student she supported were truly admirable. Jodi had a gift for creating a safe, nurturing environment where students could thrive and feel valued. Always willing to go above and beyond, she stepped in wherever she was needed, making a lasting impact not only in the self-contained classroom but throughout the school. While she’ll be deeply missed, we’re thrilled for her as she heads into retirement to enjoy more time with her family—including her beloved goats!
Diane Barrett, Bus Driver: Diane is an avid motorcycle rider and camper. Being a bus driver is a very rewarding job, and Diane always felt like driving her route was a special reward. Every student that Diane drove held and still holds a special place in her heart. She is, and always will be, a well-respected driver. I have seen several former students come up to her and tell her how much they loved riding the bus with her, and those who still live in the district all want their children to ride with her.
Diane finished her career as a special education transportation driver. She loved caring for students with disabilities. The hardest part of Diane’s job was when one of her students was able to transition to regular transportation.
I always knew that she would give me an honest answer even if she knew that I would not like it, and I will miss that honesty. We want to thank her for her over 25 years of dedication and service.
Robin Bolash, MHS Secretary: For 25 years, she’s been a friendly face in various Midview buildings, gracefully navigating a revolving door of administrators and weathering countless changes in staff, students, policies, and expectations. Through it all, she remained a constant—often when others felt chaos—with a warm heart and a wardrobe that could turn heads (and shoes that announced her entrance long before she hit the office door). She went out of her way—often using her own money—to decorate the front office so it felt welcoming and bright for everyone who walked in. Whether it was lending an ear to a stressed-out staff member, comforting a student, or guiding a newbie through their first chaotic year, she was always there. People will always remember staff members huddled around her desk, chatting after school and helping each other debrief about the day. Midview won’t be the same without the click of those heels and the kindness that came with them!
Mary Booth, North Library Paraprofessional: After many years of unwavering service, she retired as a pillar of dedication and professionalism. Her calm presence was a steadying force in even the most challenging moments. She led by example, earning the respect and admiration of everyone around her. Always ready to offer support, she has uplifted her colleagues and helped shape a positive, collaborative workplace.
Molly Borowy, East Paraprofessional: Molly is the best! No matter what needs to be done, she is right there making it happen. Molly is caring and compassionate and enjoys helping ALL students. She is always willing to go the extra mile to reward our students and bring them special rewards for accomplishing their goals. She helps all of the teachers out with whatever their needs are to make their day run smoothly. Molly's shoes will be hard to fill.
Stacy Brandenburg, 4th Grade Teacher: Stacy Brandenburg is retiring after an incredible 27 years as a dedicated educator. Known for her genuine connections with students and families, many former students have even asked to have her as a teacher for their own children! We will truly miss her delicious cookies and baked goods, but even more, we will miss her warm smile and the joy she brings to our school. Thank you, Mrs. Brandenburg, for all the love and care you've shared with us over the years!
Don Crawford, MHS Social Studies Teacher: For 34 years—31 of them at Midview—he's been the guy who’s seen it all. Whether it's March Madness mayhem with guys parading to his room or breaking down global chaos into "normal people" language, he's the unofficial news anchor of the staff. Often dubbed the "older brother I never wanted," he's the go-to for bad jokes, random facts no one asked for, and oddly solid life advice. His humor isn’t just for laughs—it’s how he builds trust with students and makes himself the adult they can count on. He calls himself a "man of reason," but he's also the one who once joked he’d need a wheelchair to make it to his youngest daughter’s graduation. And let’s not forget his most unforgettable lesson: how painfully expensive it is to miss a day of work when you take an unpaid day.
Mike Filipiak, MHS Social Studies Teacher: For 35 years—all at Midview—he’s been the gold standard of what it means to be a true Middie. From his sharp dress to the way he treats every student and staff member with respect, he’s the epitome of professionalism. Known as the “Dad of the school,” he’s always there to support anyone who needs him (and yes, offer a classic dad joke or two along the way). He’s not just a great teacher—he’s the kind of colleague everyone appreciates and looks up to. If you had to sum up Midview in one person, it’d be him, without a doubt.
Cathy Houston, Central Office Secretary: Cathy Houston was truly the heart of Midview’s Central Office, serving as the smiling face and welcoming voice for anyone who walked through our doors or picked up the phone. What many may not know is that being a secretary was actually Cathy’s second job — she’s also a talented actress you might still spot on a commercial from time to time! Only Cathy could pull off retiring and building a house at the same time, all while balancing the 52 different hats she wore each day with grace and humor. A passionate yoga enthusiast, Cathy loves filming yoga videos on her iMac and sharing her positive energy with others. Most importantly, Cathy is now fully embracing her favorite role of all — being the best grandma to her sweet grandkids, whom she never missed a chance to call and wish a great day. Her bright spirit, kindness, and infectious personality are dearly missed at Central Office. Cathy made every day better simply by being herself, and her impact on Midview will never be forgotten.
Marcia Kidney, PEP Custodian: Marcia Kidney has been a valued member of our team since 1998. As our custodian, she has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our buildings clean, safe, and welcoming every single day. Marcia's work ethic, reliability and kind presence have made a lasting impact on everyone who's had the pleasure of working with her. We thank Marcia for her 27 years of commitment and wish her the best in this well-deserved next chapter.
Tina Kowalski, 6th Grade Teacher: Tina has helped organize the Veteran's Day assembly for years. She is very passionate about recognizing and supporting veterans and their families. Tina has always been drawn to service projects and has encouraged students to get involved with their community, especially student council members. From campus clean-ups to food drives, she has always promoted the Midview community. We will miss her energy and compassion at East!
Sharon Novak, Interim North Elementary Principal: Not much can be said about Sharon Novak that she hasn’t already proudly and hilariously said about herself. Sharon is truly the best teammate anyone could ask for — always going above and beyond to do what’s best for kids, staff, and the entire Midview community. When you think of Midview, you can’t help but think of Sharon, whose dedication and heart have left a lasting impact. Over her time here, Sharon has worn three major hats — Special Education Director, Coordinator of Student Support Services, and most recently, stepping up to lead North Elementary School as Interim Principal. Sharon’s kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering loyalty have made her an irreplaceable part of our team. Whether rolling up her sleeves to jump into a challenge or making a room erupt with laughter, she always found a way to lift others up. Her infectious laugh and perfectly timed jokes will be dearly missed. And in true Sharon fashion, she made her mark at Midview by doing whatever it took to get the job done.
Kelly Papay, North Intervention Specialist: As she steps into retirement, we celebrate a truly remarkable individual known for her patience and tireless work ethic. Her dedication never wavered, no matter how demanding the task or long the hours. She approached every challenge with grace and a quiet strength that inspired those around her. Alongside her professionalism, her sharp wit and sense of humor brought light and laughter to our days. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of hard work and joy will continue to resonate.
Lisa Simpson, MMS School Counselor: Today, we celebrate the retirement of Lisa Simpson, who has dedicated many years of service to the students, families, and staff of Midview Local Schools. Throughout her career, Ms. Simpson has been a long-lasting member of our educational community, supporting students and contributing to the overall mission of helping young people grow and succeed.
As she embarks on this exciting next chapter, we are thrilled for all that lies ahead for her — including the joys of a new lake house, the excitement of her upcoming marriage, and the adventures of future travels. We know she will continue to bring the same energy, spirit, and passion to this new journey that she brought to her work.
We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to Lisa for her many years of dedication and service. Her impact will continue to be felt by the students and colleagues whose lives she touched. On behalf of the Midview Local Schools, we wish her happiness, relaxation, and endless wonderful memories in her well-earned retirement.
Penny Storrie, West Paraprofessional: Penny Storrie is a true source of sunshine and positivity, tackling each day with enthusiasm. Her love for the students shines through as she goes above and beyond to meet their educational and emotional needs. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Penny volunteered to assist teachers with any tasks that arose. One of her favorite activities was sharing stories with the students, creating lasting memories that will be cherished. We will miss her greatly as she embarks on this new chapter in her life!
Sherri Wilson, Cook: Students were very fond of Sherri and often referred to her as "Miss Sherri." She was very dedicated to her job and all of the students she served each day. They would come up to her daily to share what was happening in their life. She was always looking to have them smile. When she was out in the community and saw Midview students, they would make a point to come over and talk to her and introduce their lunch lady, Miss Sherri. She only wanted the best for her students and strived to make each encounter a positive experience.