Brainerd School District Employees Receive 'Above and Beyond' Awards | Lakeland News

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The Brainerd School District has honored three dedicated employees with its annual "Above and Beyond" awards, recognizing their exceptional contributions to students and the broader school community. These awards celebrate staff members who consistently exceed expectations by inspiring others through positive attitudes and a deep commitment to student success. The ceremony highlights individuals whose impact extends far beyond the basic requirements of their job descriptions, showcasing how their efforts create lasting change within the district. Jennifer Lindholm, a secretary at the Warrior Early Learning Center, was celebrated for her sixteen years of service supporting students, families, and staff. She emphasized that her achievements are not solitary endeavors but are made possible by the strong support she receives from her office, school administration, and colleagues. Similarly, Sarah Wetstein, who retired from teaching in 2023, continued her impactful work by returning to the district as a paraprofessional. She now focuses on supporting students with cognitive and developmental disabilities, drawn to the district's unique approach to teaching the whole child. Leslie Xander, a veteran music teacher with twenty-seven years of experience, was recognized for her role in guiding sixth through twelfth-grade orchestra programs. Her principal noted that she helps students build confidence, foster community spirit, and develop a lifelong passion for music. Xander believes that learning to practice and master skills over time is a vital life lesson that extends well beyond the classroom. She expressed gratitude for the long-term relationships she has built with her students, particularly the senior group who nominated her after spending seven full years together. The district invites all employees of Brainerd Public Schools to be considered for this award, and community members are encouraged to submit nominations each spring. This inclusive process ensures that outstanding contributions from various roles within the school system are acknowledged and celebrated. Through these awards, the district reinforces its values of collaboration, excellence, and unwavering dedication to the growth and well-being of every student.

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Three Briner Public School employees are being recognized for going above and beyond for students and their school community. The district's annual awards highlight staff members who consistently exceed expectations. Our reporter Xavier Curry introduces us to this year's recipients. >> Every school depends on people who do more than what's written in their job description. The annual Above and Beyond Awards recognizes employees who inspire others through their positive attitude and their commitment to helping students succeed. At the Warrior Early Learning Center, Secretary Jennifer Lindholm has spent the past 16 years helping students, families, and staff. >> Winner is Jennifer Lindholm. [cheering] >> [applause] >> just an honor and it's not something that I do alone at all. I have so much support in my office and in my school and I have such a great staff that it's just it's easy to be better when you're around people that are better. >> From the front office to the classroom, this award recognizes staff that makes an impact in a variety of different ways. And for Sarah Wetstein, that work continues even after retiring from the classroom. Wetstein retired from teaching in 2023, but she wasn't finished working with students. She returned to Brandon Public Schools as a paraprofessional, now dedicating her time to students in the district with cognitive and developmental disabilities. >> A colleague of mine that was with me at Forceview called and said they were adding a pair of professional support position here. I knew this school did a great job with offering alternative styles of teaching and such and here I am. What I really appreciate is the value they put on getting to teach the whole child. That's one of the things that attracted me to the school. >> The third recipient of the award, Leslie Xander, teaches the 6th through 12th grade orchestra program and is in her 27th year teaching. Her principal says Xander helps students build confidence, community, and a passion for music that can last beyond their time in school. >> It really it it is the kids, the relationships you build with kids. So, I have these kids, their entire orchestra experience. And I'm kind of in a unique position right now. And these these seniors who nominated me last spring were the first group of kids that I had for the full seven years. >> For Xander, the lessons extend way beyond just learning how to play an instrument. Being able to to learn a skill and practice a skill and build that skill over time um I think is an important life life lesson. >> Reporting in Brainer, Xavier Curry, Lakeland News. >> All employees from Brainer Public Schools are eligible for the Above and Beyond award and anyone in the community may submit nominations. Nominations are collected each spring. >> Lakeland News is a nonprofit news organization. Donate to Lakeland PBS today to support your local news team.