Whitley County Consolidated Schools congratulates the April Teacher of the Month and Staff of the Month winners.
Tonya Wike, Lower Elementary Teacher at Mary Raber Montessori School, was recognized as teacher of the month for April 2025.
“Very kind and my son has been so happy with his first-ever teacher! Seems like a genuinely nice person even reached out for a picture of my son’s newborn sister when she was born so he could share with his class! She is always quick to respond to my emails and keeps parents informed with weekly updates. I always feel like my son is in good hands. Couldn’t be happier with his first-ever teacher. Being in kindergarten this was a big adjustment for him and us as parents,” said Wike’s nominator.
Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent, Tonya Wike, Mary Raber Montessori Lower Elementary Teacher, Monica Ralston, Mary Raber Montessori Director, and Seth Slater, WCCS Assistant Superintendent, present Wike the Teacher of the Month Award with her class celebrating.
Shana Ehresman, Office Staff at Little Turtle Elementary, was recognized as the Staff Member of the Month for April.
“Ms. Ehresman answers the phone with a positive tone of voice. She listens to requests and responds professionally, without impatience. If she does not immediately know the answer to a question, she seeks out the information and follows up. I loved the previous office staff at Little Turtle and I was concerned that no one else would be able to fill their worthy shoes as first contact with Little Turtle. After communicating with Ms. Ehresman, I'm reassured that another knowledgeable and polite person fill this role. Thank you for having her on your team,” said Ehresman’s nominator.
Seth Slater, WCCS Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent, Shana Ehresman, and Julie Turpin, Little Turtle Elementary principal, present Ehresman the Staff of the Month Award.
The winners were awarded a certificate, a floral design from Bravo Floral, and a t-shirt voucher for WCCS swag from Running Around Screen Printing. Thank you, Bravo Floral and Running Around Screen Printing!
WCCS is grateful to our exceptional teachers and staff who serve our community well. Each month, nominations were taken from co-workers, families, and the community and then winners are chosen from a selection committee made up of community members, service organizations, a WCCS School Board member, and WCCS staff.
Since September WCCS has honored a teacher and a staff member who go above and beyond, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and fostering a positive, engaging learning environment. These exemplary educators embody the WCCS values of Eagle P.R.I.D.E. - Persistence, Respectfulness, Initiative, Dependability, and Efficiency.
This month’s and the previous months' winners will be considered for WCCS Teacher of the Year and Staff of the Year and will be celebrated with the community in August 2025. More than 130 nominations were sent on behalf of our WCCS educators. Thank you, staff, students and families for nominating WCCS team members.
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About Whitley County Consolidated Schools
Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. Serving Columbia City and surrounding communities, WCCS believes in fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and character development. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, our district offers a diverse curriculum, dedicated educators, and state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire and engage every learner. Through partnerships with families and the community, WCCS strives to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. For more information about our schools, programs, and initiatives, visit us at www.wccsonline.com.
Media Contact
Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent mcdermottla@wccsonline.com
Kennedy Saggars, WCCS Marketing Director saggarskt@wccsonline.com