USD 489

The Hays school board honored the inaugural Golden Apple Award winners at its meeting Monday.

Karla Bieber, special education instructor at Victoria High School, was the recipient of the quarterly Golden Apple Award. Bieber was nominated by Connie Braun for going above and beyond for her students.

Donna Hansen, special education paraeducator at Hays Middle School, earned the first quarterly Golden Apple Award for paras. Hansen was nominated by Judy Koerner for being a dedicated employee.

Bieber and Hansen received their awards during the coop superintendent’s meeting on Aug. 28. The Hays West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative will continue to honor one coop teacher and one coop para ever three months. Nominations can be submitted via an online form on www.usd489.com.

Superintendent John Thissen said the district is very proud of both of the coop staff members for championing the area’s students.