Rockwood Celebrates Our 2025 ROSE Award Recipients

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the ROSE Award patrol crisscrossed the district to honor this year’s 15 recipients of the prestigious ROSE Award.

The ROSE Award honors the best of Rockwood. Nearly 230 nominations were submitted for this year's ROSE Awards, with stories highlighting excellence of character, leadership, performance and extraordinary service to Rockwood. 

On Feb. 27, ROSE committee chairs set out with balloons and roses to surprise the 15 individuals chosen by the ROSE Selection Committee to receive one of the district's greatest honors.

ROSE recipients will be recognized at a special ceremony and dinner on Sunday, April 27, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Chesterfield -- along with Cornerstone recipients, Teachers of the Year, Service Award honorees and retirees.

Congratulations, ROSE Award recipients! See their photos below, along with a quote from one of their nominators.

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Dr. Dan Bergman, parent and community member, Bergman Family Dental

“Dr. Bergman’s selflessness and kind heart truly exemplify the best of our community. I was amazed by his gentleness, care and the amount of time he spent with my student during a procedure.”

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Tara Bleeker, PTO president, Babler Elementary

"Tara’s approachability and compassion create an environment where families and staff alike are comfortable sharing their perspectives and collaborating on meaningful initiatives."

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Mindy Carney, parent, Chesterfield Elementary

“Mindy has taken the time to foster a nurturing relationship with a particular student, making sure he has always felt seen and heard. Her ability to listen, offer encouragement and provide guidance has helped this child thrive in and out of the classroom.” 

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Vickie DeBruin, fourth-grade teacher, Uthoff Valley Elementary

“Vickie’s powerful character is evident in her consistent collaboration and teamwork. Without hesitation, she is willing to co-teach a lesson or devote her own time to ensure that colleagues and students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”

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Karen Droege, special education teacher, Rockwood Summit High

"Mrs. Droege goes above and beyond to foster not only academic success but also emotional and social growth in her students, nurturing well-rounded individuals who are comfortable with themselves and their abilities."

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Lauren Harr, assistant principal, Uthoff Valley

“Mrs. Harr is a source of encouragement and positivity to students, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. She takes the time to get to know each student as an individual, making them feel seen, valued and supported in their unique journeys.” 

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Leslie Jackson, grade-level secretary, Eureka High

“Leslie approaches every individual with kindness and understanding, recognizing the inherent value in everyone she meets. She listens attentively to others, seeking to understand their perspectives without judgment.”

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Dr. Andrea Lockwood, principal, Babler Elementary

“Dr. Lockwood leads with empathy, always considering the needs of others and creating an environment where all feel valued. Her confidence in her vision for the school inspires others to strive for excellence, while her generosity extends beyond her role, offering time and support to both her team and the community.”

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Officer Derek Ploeger, school resource officer, Eureka High

“Officer Ploeger has made true lasting relationships with our students and staff that are so much more than saying hello or giving a high five. Officer Ploeger has organized events for our students and community that show his ambitious nature, his selflessness and his compassion for people.”

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Melissa Raley, building substitute teacher, LaSalle Springs Middle

“In this role, Missy has routinely gone above and beyond the expectations of her job in order to best help the students and staff of LSMS. Simply put, whenever there is a need, we can count on Missy to help us out.”

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Lisa Smarr, parent volunteer/substitute teacher, Rockwood South Middle

“Lisa is awesome to work with because she is a true team player. She steps up and fulfills any role asked of her and has a smile on her face. She cheers on her teammates and loves to celebrate the success of others.”

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Erin Tenkman, fifth-grade teacher, Uthoff Valley

“Mrs. Tenkman not only teaches academics but also models empathy, resilience and care for her students."

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Danna Thorne, principal, Uthoff Valley

“Danna’s personality is a mix of kindness, resilience and determination, and she inspires everyone around her to be their best. You can feel her warmth in every interaction. It’s clear how much she truly cares about people.”

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Janice Wenger, first-grade teacher, Center for Creative Learning

"Janice demonstrates for students and colleagues the importance of learning, leading, collaborating and serving others."

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Major Terri Zuber, senior aerospace science instructor, Marquette High

“As the senior aerospace science instructor of the MO-931 AFJROTC unit, Major Zuber has consistently demonstrated outstanding mentorship, fostering the growth and development of 96 cadets under her care. She finds true joy by serving others and connecting through positive relationships.”