Congratulations to the 2026 ROSE Award Recipients

Members of the ROSE Patrol made their way across the Rockwood School District surprising 15 individuals with a ROSE Award on Feb. 26 and 27.

Balloons, roses and cheers abounded as committee chairs Dr. Amy Digman, Jen Jacobsmeyer, Lisa Nieder and Suzanne Whitford made their way into classrooms and libraries throughout the district to celebrate the award recipients.

Join us in congratulating those who are making a difference in our school community - the 2026 ROSE Award recipients! See photos and some words from those who nominated our recipients below.

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Julie Adams - Eighth-Grade Language Arts Teacher, LaSalle Springs Middle

"For almost 30 years, Julie has been a dedicated and influential member of the Rockwood community. Julie’s willingness to invest her time, energy and heart into her students — both academically and personally — exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator.”

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Ofc. Anthony Beffa - School Resource Officer, Rockwood South Middle

“Officer Beffa is friendly and has worked hard to build a rapport with not only the students but with the staff. He knows students by names, gives out high-fives in the halls and has an amazing ability to calm a situation with words and kindness. He quietly demonstrates what it means to be a leader in our schools and our community as a whole.”

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Kathleen Cowdry - Rockwood Substitute Teacher

“Kathy Cowdry is a woman of outstanding character. Kathy is trustworthy and dependable. Her willingness to provide support to staff, primarily librarians, in Rockwood shows her dedication to the students she serves in libraries all across the district. She is always ready to provide whatever help that is asked of her and does it with a smile, a soft voice and humble spirit.” 

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Jennifer Danner - Seventh-Grade Math Teacher, LaSalle Springs Middle

"Mrs. Danner consistently demonstrates exceptional character through kindness, integrity and genuine care for both students and colleagues. One of her most defining qualities is her sense of humor, which brings joy, laughter and positivity into the classroom and workplace.”

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Kristen Engle - Seventh-Grade Language Arts Teacher, Rockwood South Middle

“Ms. Engle truly cares about all of her students and values listening to them and creating unique classroom experiences for them"

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Jennifer Friedmann - Administrative Assistant, Eureka High

"Jenny personally knows each and every one of us and makes us all feel valued and welcomed. She lifts everyone up with her ‘can do’ spirit and positivity. No matter how much she has going on, I’ve never heard her say no when someone asks her for help."

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Jeremy Guest - Jr. Falcons Eighth-Grade Basketball Coach, Rockwood South Middle

"Coach Guest is a very kind and fun person to be around and talk to. Coach Guest is inspirational because he is always pushing us to be better. He works extremely hard to be the best coach possible while inspiring us to be great people.”

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Mary Heinemann - Rockwood Substitute Teacher

"The dedication Mary Heinemann shows through her role in our district is exceptional! Just like she did as a classroom teacher, she delivers outstanding days structured with highly effective learning experiences for the students trusted in her care.”

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Christie Hemminghaus - First-Grade Teacher, Geggie Elementary

"Christie Hemminghaus is one of the hardest-working and most caring educators I know. She deeply connects with students, supports her colleagues and works to keep the sense of family here at Geggie. She is incredibly thoughtful and aware of the people around her.”

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Mallory Hull - Fourth-Grade Teacher, Geggie Elementary

"Mrs. Hull has a remarkable ability to recognize every student’s strengths and encourages her students to value one another. Her empathy, integrity and genuine care for children shine through in everything she does."

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Stephanie Kane - Parents as Teachers Supervisor, Rockwood Early Childhood

"Stephanie consistently holds herself to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that every child in our district, regardless of their starting point, receives the dignity and specialized attention they deserve. Her steadfast presence provides a sense of security and trust across the entire PAT program.”

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Harry LeMay - Former Parent and Community Member, Rockwood School District

“Harry has volunteered countless hours of his personal time in support of the district, beginning at the individual school level and expanding outward into districtwide initiatives that required significant leadership, coordination and perseverance. During the years his sons attended Rockwood schools, Harry consistently contributed time, energy and thoughtful input to support their schools, while also maintaining a broader perspective on how individual school needs fit into the district as a whole.”  

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Kaylan Polk - Adventure Club Facilitator, Pond Elementary

"Kaylan Polk demonstrates the highest degree of character and responsibility. She takes ownership of all of the children under her care and creates a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for the students and staff in Adventure Club.”

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Julie Powers - Special School District Area Coordinator, LaSalle Springs Middle, Kehrs Mill Elementary and Westridge Elementary

"Julie is deeply loyal — to her schools, her colleagues and most importantly, to the children whose success guides every decision she makes. Julie consistently centers what is best for kids.”

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Laura Zink - Parent Volunteer, Marquette High

"Laura Zink is a deeply committed parent and community member who cares wholeheartedly about the long-term strength and financial stability of the Rockwood School District. As both a parent in the district and a dedicated volunteer, Laura has consistently given her time, knowledge and energy in service of our schools.” 

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ROSE recipients will be recognized at a special ceremony and dinner on Sunday, May 3, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Chesterfield -- along with Cornerstone recipients, Teachers of the Year, Service Award honorees and retirees. 

Congratulations, ROSE Award recipients and the nearly 200 nominees!