Burton School District Staff and Student Recognition Ceremony

A couple of hundred Burton School District staff, students and family members gathered in the Summit Charter Academy, Mathew Campus cafeteria to honor staff and students on Dec. 5th. In the past, the Burton Board of Trustees has honored one school at a time at regular school board meetings throughout the year.

This year, however, the Board of Trustees decided to bring all Burton District schools together to celebrate the accomplishments of staff members and students in one special evening.  

With the cafeteria decorated in a holiday theme, people in attendance sat at round tables enjoying delicious-looking appetizers and desserts provided by Suzy Hatwig, Director of Food Services.

During the ceremony, each site principal was invited to the microphone to honor one staff member. A classified staff from each campus was honored for exemplary performance in their job, as well as three to five students from each of the district’s eight school sites were honored for outstanding academic achievement and for demonstrating good character.  

“It is exciting as parents to have our daughter, Claire, recognized for her achievements, but to have it done in such a special way is above and beyond any expectations,” said Oak Grove Elementary School parent Kelly Lee. “The Burton School District outdid themselves.”

In all, eight staff members and 22 students were recognized by the Board of Trustees with Board Members providing a glass, engraved apple for the staff members, plaques for the older students, and certificates and lamps of knowledge for the younger students.  

“Burton Elementary parents were thrilled that the Burton School District planned such an eloquent event to recognize students and staff,” said Lily Shimer, Burton Elementary School principal, a few days after the event. “I received numerous comments from parents and staff expressing their appreciation. It was a privilege to be part of such an amazing evening.”  
Jim Maples Academy principal Jean Miller agreed.

“The best part about our jobs is celebrating student success and dependable employees,” Miller said. “Whether it is outstanding character, academic growth, or caring and hardworking personnel we enjoy recognizing them in a public setting.”  

The Board of Trustees plans to hold the staff and student recognition ceremony two times per school year, with May 7 tentatively slated for the next ceremony.