March 3, 2023
During the week of 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 200 nominations were submitted for this year's ROSE Awards, with stories highlighting excellence of character, leadership, performance and extraordinary service to Rockwood.
ROSE recipients will be recognized at a special ceremony and dinner on Sunday, May 7, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Chesterfield -- along with Cornerstone recipients, Teachers of the Year, Service Award honorees and retirees.
Drew Beckner, Traveling Physical Education Teacher, Ridge Meadows and Woerther elementary schools
“Mr. Beckner serves as a role model to other staff members by seeing a need and making a difference to help fill that need."
Susan Boden, PSO President/Parent Volunteer, Rockwood Summit High
“Susan is an incredible volunteer who is always willing to help. She is a hard worker who leads by example.”
Traci Bolton, Guitar Teacher, Lafayette High
“Mrs. Bolton cares about her students and meets their needs far beyond the classroom. She wants them to thrive and feel valued. She inspires them to be the best they can be.”
Sarah Bracken, Resident/Community Volunteer, LaSalle Springs Middle
"Sarah helps our community out of the kindness of her heart. She is changing lives, bringing joy and relief to families during challenging times."
Dr. Kimberly Dickens, Principal, Kellison Elementary
“Dr. Dickens supports and empowers all students to reach their full potential because she is committed to collaborating with and coaching all team members."
Rob Dunajcik, Rockwood School Bus Driver
“Mr. Rob greets each child by name every morning and sends them home with a ‘See you tomorrow!’ each afternoon. The care he shows is beyond what our neighborhood could have ever asked for.”
Karen Gibson, Kindergarten Teacher, Stanton Elementary
“Karen has a gift for captivating the attention of her students and guiding them in a positive, healthy direction."
Erik Graham, Former Assistant Principal/Substitute Teacher, Rockwood Summit High
“Erik is always willing to help us out and comes to the job with 100 percent of his energy and effort.”
Christine Guest, Parent Volunteer, Rockwood Summit High
“Christine is an ally for teachers and kids and wants everyone to succeed, smile and be happy."
Sally Huster, Math Teacher, Crestview Middle
“Sally’s distinguishing quality is that she genuinely cares. She creates unbreakable bonds with students and allows them to reach their full potential.”
Cathy Jones, Senior Human Resources Assistant, Administrative Center
Kathy Larocco, Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Education
Jason Long, Assistant Band Director, Lafayette High
“Mr. Long is kind, generous, helpful and reliable. He leads his students to musical success not only through his words and teachings but also by example.”
Officer Mike Reynolds, School Resource Officer, Selvidge Middle
