Five staff members were recognized with the USD 232 TORCH Award at the Board of Education Meeting on Monday, March 3. This award, presented during the month of February at De Soto High School and Riverview Elementary, was created to help spotlight district staff for their exceptional commitment to students and our district. 

Our first stop in February to present the USD 232 TORCH Award was De Soto High School where Proud Superintendent Cory Gibson and Principal Sam Ruff celebrated paraeducator, Marianne Huff. Principal Ruff praised Marianne as a “true gem” at De Soto High School. She is always supporting students, whether in the classroom or after school during co-curricular or extracurricular activities. Marianne loves the students she works with, and she is deeply appreciated for all she does. 

Next, we located Career & Technical Education Teacher, Drew Proctor, to present him with the TORCH award. Principal Sam Ruff shared that Mr. Proctor and has quickly become the person to go to for various digital media projects and other support throughout De Soto High School. He does so much to help out at DHS which positively impacts the administrative team, his fellow educators and, most importantly, the students. The sheer volume of his knowledge and support is simply amazing.

For our final stop at DHS, we visited the classroom of Abby Adams to present her with the TORCH award for the month of February. Principal Ruff stated that Mrs. Adams is not only an amazing biology teacher, but she helps teach an AVID class at DHS and is a dedicated sponsor of the Ambassadors and Mentors program – known as the A&M Crew. Her support of both students and her teaching team is extraordinary; we are fortunate to have her as part of the team at De Soto High School.

At Riverview Elementary, Proud Superintendent, Cory Gibson and Interim Principal Lea Ann Combs visited the school’s library to celebrate TWO wonderful staff members with the USD 232 TORCH Award.  Michelle Wisdom, moved all the way from Texas to become the new Library Media Specialist at Riverview this school year. She brings lots of innovative ideas to help increase the love of reading among students. Ms. Wisdom has dressed up as different book characters and occasionally transforms the library into a magical setting. She has quickly become an impactful and appreciated educator for Riverview.

The final staff member we recognized at Riverview was with the TORCH Marcie Teasley, an ELL Aide who goes above and beyond, every moment of every day with every student she meets. As Principal Combs shared, whether it is supporting students in their learning, helping in the lunchroom, serving on the school’s site council, or volunteering for a number of tasks that need to be done throughout the building – Mrs. Teasley is there with her wonderful smile. 

Congratulations to all staff members recognized for the month of February with the USD 232 TORCH Award!