November 15, 2022
Amy Riley, the digital media teacher at De Soto High School, was recognized as the USD 232 Making a Difference Award winner for October 2022. Dr. Frank Harwood, USD 232 Superintendent, presented this award to Ms. Riley on behalf of the school district and the USD 232 Education Foundation on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at DHS. Congratulations Amy!
The Making a Difference Award, sponsored by Great American Bank in De Soto, celebrates the exceptional teachers and staff in our district who are truly “making a difference in the lives of young people.” With this recognition, Amy was also presented check for $250 from the USD 232 Education Foundation and a Making a Difference Award trophy, designed and constructed by CAPS students at the Cedar Trails Exploration Center.
Here is an excerpt from her student nomination:
Mrs. Riley is one of the most kind, considerate and caring faculty member at DHS. She is brand new to the district this year, but has already made a lasting impact on me and my peers. She has not only been an amazing teacher but also someone I am able to turn to if I am struggling. She has helped the DHS newspaper publication expand and has brought a fresh new look to The Green Pride. Not only that but Mrs. Riley has helped me through more than she could imagine. Every day I walk into her classroom, I feel safe and happy to be there.
Amy Riley joined USD 232 at the beginning of this school year to teach the De Soto High School digital media classes that include newspaper, yearbook, audio-visual production, photo imaging, and 21st Century Journalism. Prior to joining our district, she taught English and journalism for a total of sixteen years at Seaman High School. Amy was a Horizon Award nominee in 2007 and received the Building Teacher of the Year award at Seaman High School in 2014. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Washburn University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from the University of Kansas.
Congrats again to Amy for this outstanding recognition!
The USD 232 Education Foundation are currently accepting nominations for the Making a Difference Award for the month of November. All submissions are due Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Nominations for this award are accepted and reviewed each month.
Making a Difference Nomination Form
From left: Great American Bank Exec. Vice President, Mark Gonzales; Making a Difference winner Amy Riley; USD 232 Superintendent Frank Harwood; Great American Bank CFO Matt Little; USD232EF Board Member Chuck Neill; and DHS Principal Sam Ruff.
