The district is pleased to announce the January 2025 Staff in the Spotlight recipients. Every month, each of our schools honors a staff member at their building for going above and beyond their regular duties or for doing something special. Join us in celebrating these outstanding employees!

	PELC	Tracey Perkes is a paraprofessional at the PELC, where she supports staff and students tirelessly. Tracey is flexible, fun, and great with kids as well as knows how to make strong connections with students. Tracey is always ready to help out and keeps the staff laughing with her great personality. Tracey has worked throughout the Pendleton School District in her 20-year career, and we are thankful she’s settled on the PELC as her home. Congratulations from your colleagues!
	McKay	Makenzie McLeod – Makenzie is a first-year teacher but is not new to the Pendleton School District. She attended Sherwood Elementary, Sunridge Middle School and graduated from Pendleton High School.  McKay was lucky to get her back – we are a better school with Makenzie as a teacher.  She is an amazing teammate, helpful, caring and always willing to try new things.  Makenzie builds relationships with all her students.  She will tackle difficult situations and find the positives while remaining calm.  Her positive outlook and welcoming classroom are bright spots that her students count on every day.  Thank you, Makenzie, for all you do for your students and our McKay family.
	Sherwood	Delanie Kohr is known for her devotion to her students, her positive attitude, and perseverance when things can be challenging.  She is a delight to work with and is a natural born teacher. Delanie Kohr is dedicated to her students and her persistence through challenges.  She is constantly striving to do what’s best for her students to help them be successful.  Miss. Kohr is patient and kind to her students, peers and her families! We are lucky to have her! She is a delight to work with!
	Washington	Megan Gear Sims has been a paraprofessional for the past two years at Washington.  She takes a lot of time to understand her students and goes out of her way to find ways to help make them be successful.   She takes a tough job and turns it into looking easy. She always steps up when we are short staffed and always has a positive attitude. Meagan is always willing to take over when things get tough with certain students and always has a smile on her face!
	Sunridge	Nicole Kuza – Sunridge is so lucky to have such an amazing Secretary! You always offer a smile and warmth with your personality that is so vibrant and welcoming. The way our students love, respect, and admire you is something we should all strive for. I hope that you know how much all you do for all of us is appreciated! Thank you for all you do, Nicole! Go Broncs!
	PHS	Coree Terjeson– Special Education Teacher (Pendleton High School)  We are thrilled to celebrate Coree Terjeson, a phenomenal Special Education Teacher at Pendleton High School! Coree is a dedicated advocate for her students and staff, going above and beyond to ensure her students thrive. Her close collaboration with families fosters an environment of support and success, making a lasting impact on everyone she works with. We are so proud and grateful to have Coree as part of our Buckaroo family!
	Hawthorne/ Homestead	Wes Armstrong is our jack of all trades at Hawthorne. He mentors, counsels, teaches, motivates, and supports all of our students. He is always looking for new ways to keep our students engaged and active in our program. Wes is a foundational piece of what we do at Hawthorne, and every hour he puts in is valued and appreciated!
	District Office/Maintenance	Brittney Hardiman joined the Pendleton District Office team in November of 2024 as our Human Resources Assistant. Since then, she has consistently demonstrated a positive attitude, a professional demeanor, and a willingness to learn.  Brittney has experience in the private sector, in PSD as a paraprofessional, and has quickly become an integral part of our team.  Brittney has done an excellent job building meaningful connections with staff, volunteers, and community members. We look forward to Brittney continuing to find ways to support the mission and vision of PSD from her role at the district office. .
	Nixyáawii	Aaron Noisey – for his efforts to keep parents notified and up-to-date on student progress and for all his work in the athletic department.