2025 LIONS and Volunteer Awards
Each year the Linn-Mar Community School District’s LIONS and Volunteer Awards highlight excellence across the school district by rewarding the accomplishments and achievements of our staff, community partners, and colleagues. Thank you to those who nominated individuals for this recognition.
Please join us in celebrating these individuals who will be recognized this year for making a significant impact at Linn-Mar!
2025 LION Award Winners:
Living Legend – Barry Buchholz
Barry Buchholz is the recipient of the Living Legend Award for Excellence in Leadership, which recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of visionary, servant-based leadership. Barry’s legacy is one of humble leadership and strong impact, exemplified through his many years of service to the Linn-Mar Community School District—as a member of numerous committees, on Linn-Mar’s Foundation, and in several roles with the board including Board Vice President and Board President. He is a thoughtful guide and a true advocate for public education who leads with purpose, care, and clarity. One of Barry’s most defining qualities is his belief in others, as he sees the strengths in people and encourages them to lead, to grow, and to step into their own potential. Barry’s leadership has helped shape a district that is forward-thinking, community-centered, and deeply committed to excellence. He remains grounded in the belief that every student deserves a world-class education and believes every staff member deserves the tools and support to provide it.
Innovator – John Christian
John Christian is the recipient of the Innovator Award for Excellence in Positive Change, honored for his visionary leadership and commitment to student-centered solutions. John doesn’t innovate just for the sake of change—he creates intentional, lasting improvements that reflect the values of Linn-Mar. His work in developing effective systems for school climate, behavior supports, and staff collaboration has had a profound impact across his building. Colleagues describe him as a thoughtful and inclusive leader who listens, empowers others, and builds trust. John’s efforts have not only improved outcomes but also fostered a culture of care, accountability, and growth. His changes are not temporary fixes—they’re sustainable models of positive transformation. John, thank you for your leadership and the lasting impact you’ve made.
Optimizer – Erin Gorman
Erin Gorman is the recipient of the Optimizer Award for Excellence in Teamwork, recognized for her consistent support, wisdom, positivity, and perspective. Erin is the kind of person who doesn’t just work on a team, she strengthens it. Whether guiding students, collaborating on interventions, or solving building-wide challenges, she brings a calming presence and a collaborative mindset to every interaction. Her approach is always “we” before “me,” and her actions reflect a deep belief in the power of working together toward a common goal. She helps build bridges between departments and teams and is a vital member of the Excelsior Executive Functioning Committee, empowering staff to meet students where they are. Her colleagues describe her as someone who shows up with solutions, encouragement, and grace. Erin’s dedication, compassion, and quiet leadership have made a lasting impact on school culture and the Linn-Mar community.
Optimizer – Kelsey Rastetter
Kelsey Rastetter is the recipient of the Optimizer Award for Excellence in Teamwork, which honors those who are the glue of a team, the driving force behind collaboration, and the heart of what makes our district thrive. Kelsey is not only incredibly organized and detail-oriented, she is the person who keeps the entire athletic department on track and thriving. What truly sets Kelsey apart is her unshakable commitment to teamwork. She is the definition of “we over me” and does it all with grace, patience, and a can-do attitude. Kelsey takes time to understand and utilize each team member’s strengths, and she consistently reflects the mission and values of Linn-Mar in every action and every interaction. Even in high-pressure situations, Kelsey remains a calm, capable, and positive presence. She doesn’t just support Linn-Mar athletics, she represents its spirit, its standards, and its commitment to excellence.
Newcomer – Amanda Weaver
Amanda Weaver is the recipient of the Newcomer Award for Excellence in New Ideas, which honors individuals who show what’s possible when passion meets innovation. From day one, Amanda has gone far beyond what is expected in her role, bringing heart, vision, and a deep sense of purpose to Westfield. As a Student Support Associate, her daily work is rooted in connection, patience, and perseverance, and she finds new, meaningful ways to reach students, build trust, and foster growth. Amanda is a natural relationship-builder who meets students where they are emotionally, socially, and behaviorally, walking with them through challenges with care and consistency. Staff describe her as someone who is thinking forward, reflecting on what’s working and what could be better, and not afraid to try something new if it means helping a student succeed. She takes constructive feedback with grace, always looking to grow and improve—not for herself, but for the benefit of the students and staff she works with. Amanda embodies what this award is all about: she is innovative, committed, and passionate about making Linn-Mar stronger every day.
Service – Matt Gasper
Matt Gasper is the recipient of the Service Award for Excellence in Superior Performance, which honors individuals who show up every day with purpose, passion, and pride. Over the last two decades, Matt has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a teacher, a mentor, a collaborator, and a role model. He brings creativity and innovation to his teaching, making science both accessible and exciting to all students of differing abilities. He supports new teachers, participates in district initiatives, and volunteers his time to help build a stronger school community. Matt’s peers describe him as dependable and incredibly effective. He meets deadlines, exceeds expectations, and never seeks recognition—yet today, we are proud to give him just that. He has consistently gone above and beyond the scope of his role, not for accolades, but because he cares deeply about his students, his colleagues, and the mission of Linn-Mar.
LION Pride – Cheyenne Boyd
Cheyenne Boyd is the recipient of the LION Pride Award – Going the Extra Mile, an honor that celebrates individuals who go above and beyond not for the spotlight, but out of love for their work, their students, and their Linn-Mar community. From the moment her preschoolers walk in the door, they are greeted by a teacher who sees them, believes in them, and nurtures them in every way. She is known for her positivity, her can-do spirit, and her unwavering dedication to helping both students and staff succeed. Her colleagues describe her as creative, reliable, innovative, and incredibly kind. When there was a need in a student support services classroom, she stepped in with direct support, lesson planning, coaching, and support for classroom substitutes and associates to ensure everyone still had a positive classroom culture and experience. In everything she does, Cheyenne lives out the values of Linn-Mar—collaboration, compassion, and a commitment to helping every student reach their full potential.
LION Pride – Brian Meyer
Brian Meyer is the recipient of the LION Pride Award – Going the Extra Mile, which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond, not because they’re asked to but because it’s simply who they are. He is described by staff as dependable, positive, humble, hardworking, and kind—but what really sets Brian apart is the way he takes ownership, not just of the building, but of the school’s spirit. Brian takes pride in ensuring that the spaces our students and staff use every day are clean, safe, and welcoming. He makes a small gesture mean so much more and brightens days with a warm smile and an easygoing presence. Brian builds trust and connection with everyone he works with and takes the time to connect with students with unique needs, inviting them to join him in learning essential life skills, dance parties, and encouragement to become the best versions of themselves. Their peers have even formed a club dedicated to assisting the custodial team. Brian Meyer doesn’t just keep Hazel Point running, he lifts it up.
2025 Volunteer Winners
Above & Beyond Volunteer Award – Bird Gengler
Bird Gengler is the recipient of the Above and Beyond Volunteer Award, honoring her outstanding leadership and commitment to service within our schools. As Volunteer Coordinator at Oak Ridge—and previously at Westfield—Bird has made a remarkable impact, balancing her full-time role at Linn-Mar with her passion for supporting students and staff. With strong communication, impeccable organization, and genuine care, Bird has kept programs thriving—from concession stands to sewing lessons, mock interviews, and staff appreciation efforts. Her ability to rally volunteers and respond to needs, especially in a year of unexpected challenges, speaks volumes about her dedication. Bird, thank you for going above and beyond to serve the Linn-Mar community!
Making A Difference Volunteer Award – Au Vu
Au currently serves as a Volunteer Coordinator at Wilkins Elementary. However her dedication goes far beyond the walls of Wilkins. Kathleen Tupker, who nominated Au for this award, shared, “I bet it would be hard to find a volunteer in the district who hasn’t come in contact with Au. Her level of dedication is super-human. If there is a need, she is there ready to get the job done with her effervescent, positive attitude.” Au has dedicated over 1300 hours of service within our district and her impact is felt as you watch Kindergartener’s appropriately find their seats in the lunchroom, see hallways filled with colorful artwork, find important curricular items laminated, cut to size, in the hands of students, listen to students read with more confidence, watch students across all grade levels as they find just the right book on the library shelf, have buses departing for field trips or band/orchestra events accompanied by a wonderful chaperone and at school carnivals where you hear laughter & excitement because activities are plentiful due to the many helping hands of volunteers.
Unsung Hero Volunteer Award – Derek Jensen
Derek Jensen is our Unsung Hero for the 2024-2025 school year. Derek, while not necessarily always quiet, is definitely one who isn’t about fanfare or recognition. Trent Buglewicz, who nominated Derek for this award, can verify that each and every time he thanked Derek for his dedication his response was simply, “These kids are worth it.” Trent continued by saying, “Derek is truly one of a kind. The sheer amount of time he has dedicated to the LM Show Choir program is astounding. He has been a staple to the program for almost a decade. Not only does he film and document every concert and performance, but has spearheaded our show choir tech department since 2016. Derek spends about 4-6 hours a week during the offseason and 10-30 hours a week during the competition season coordinating, moving, organizing, and preparing for our performances on the road. Derek contacts each venue we go to with a checklist of 20-30 items and coordinates with their tech people to make sure we are good to go. He then organizes a set of 20-30 parents to load and unload the trailers to travel. Through all this work, he remains constantly kind, welcoming, and an amazing ambassador to our district.” He undoubtedly assists in empowering achievement here at Linn-Mar. Thank you Derek for being an Unsung Hero and dedicating nearly 1200 hours of time within our district.