ROSE Award Nominations

Social studies teacher Mary Jo Bauer has been nominated for the ROSE Award for exercising the qualities of character, service, leadership, and performance. Besides teaching AP Government and Contemporary issues, Bauer also co-sponsors the Youth and Government club here and travels with students to Jefferson City for three days every year. 

Bauer said she was enthusiastic about the nomination. 

“I was super excited to even be considered a nominee because this is an accolade that goes above and what is expected of teacher/parent/support staff that has a lasting impact on our community.” Bauer said. 

Karen Droege is in her 17th year teaching special education and applied skills classes. Droege said she was shocked by the nomination when administrators surprised her. 

“I was completely surprised to be nominated for the ROSE Award. When the admin team came into my classroom, I assumed one of my students was Student of the Month or something like that. Being nominated for the award makes me feel noticed, valued, and appreciated in my role at Summit,” Droege said. 

Through her commitment and kindness towards her students and colleagues Droege represents the qualities of the ROSE Award.

“I try to bring kindness, dedication, and a sense of responsibility to my role at Summit. I care very much about my students and I work hard to support them, not just academically but also in growing their confidence and leadership skills. I try to model leadership in a way that helps them become more independent, responsible, and ready to take on new challenges,” Droege said. 

Droege is honored to be recognized among her peers.

“In a district full of incredible people, it’s an honor to know my work stands out in such a positive way,” Droege said. 

Karen Droege received the ROSE Award on February 27th during her third hour. She was one of 15 chosen by the district out of 200 nominees this year.

Parent and coach Jeremy Guest was nominated for his service to the community.

“There are so many wonderful people that have been nominated and I am really excited to be among them.  To be nominated for this award means that someone has recognized me as providing outstanding service to the school district.” Guest said. 

Guest demonstrates the qualities the ROSE Award stands for by coaching and volunteering in a variety of events.

“Coaching kids or volunteering for student and teacher events is something that is important to our family,” Guest said.

Working with the students, Guest said, is a passion of his.

“I am passionate about our students getting the most out of their life experiences and am always willing to help in any way I can,” Guest said. 

Guest’s family is involved in the school community. Guest’s wife was also nominated and received the ROSE Award in 2023.

“My wife, Christine, actually received a ROSE Award in 2023.  She sets a high bar for volunteering and serving others, so to be considered for the same award is quite an accomplishment,” Guest said.

Karen Hindrichs currently works as the secretary for the senior class. Every four years Hindrichs takes on a new class of students. Hindrichs said she enjoyed being acknowledged by her colleagues with the nomination.

“It is nice to be recognized among my peers,” Hindrichs said. 

Hindrichs feels she exercises the qualities the award highlights and the nomination makes her feel honored.

“It makes me feel appreciated for all of the work I do for Summit,” Hindrichs said. 

First responder Chris McCarthy was nominated for his high involvement in the community. However, the nomination had taken him by surprise. McCarthy felt that just being nominated showed his involvement in the community really made an impact. 

 “Just being nominated told me that my efforts and participation in our Fenton community had a positive effect in our schools and to our teachers and students,” Mccarthy said.

McCarthy said being nominated was a reflection of the relationships he’s built in the community throughout the years due to being a first responder. 

“I suppose I was nominated for the relationships I’ve built with this community as a first responder, as an advocate for others who serve (like the educators here), and for continuing to be engaged with the school through sports,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy said he strives to enhance the high school sports experience for students. 

“For some student athletes, high school will be the last organized competition they will enjoy. Enhancing their experience is something I hope I fulfill,” McCarthy said.

World language department chair Kacey Schlotz is currently teaching courses of French 1, French 4, AP French, and newly American Sign Language. During her 17 years here she has also taught French 1 through AP, Mythology, and Intro to Chinese. Scholtz has also demonstrated the qualities of the Rose Award through chaperoning students on educational trips to France, Belgium, Quebec, Switzerland, and Monaco as well as co-sponsoring the Renaissance club for the last eight years. 

“I hope my students leave my classroom with the knowledge that there is a whole world outside of their own, and to take opportunities to push themselves outside of their comfort zone to be life-long learners,” Scholtz said.

When Schlotz received the nomination  she felt surprised, honored, and excited.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude for my colleagues for the nomination. They are wonderful humans,” Schlotz said. 

Schlotz said, to her, the nomination is admiration from the district.

“To me, it means being seen by the District and recognized for everything that teachers do for their students that make an impact beyond the classroom,” Schlotz said.