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USD320 Wamego

Engaging in the Present to Prepare for the Future

Announcing the First ONE Wamego Recognition Award Winners!

Posted Date: 11/12/25 (4:00 PM)

The strength of Wamego Schools comes from the people who make a difference every day — those who go above and beyond to live out the spirit of ONE Wamego.

We are excited to announce the first recipients of the ONE Wamego Recognition Award!

This monthly honor celebrates students, staff, family, and community members who demonstrate the values that make our district special:

  • Ownership – Taking pride and responsibility in their role
  • Next – Showing resilience and the “next play” mentality
  • Elevate – Raising the bar for themselves and others
  • Unity – Living out the spirit of ONE Wamego
Each of these honorees exemplifies what it means to be ONE Wamego, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to our schools and community.
ONE Wamego Recognition Award presented to Naleigha Frasier, Wamego High School Freshman. The poster includes the Wamego ‘W’ logo and values Ownership, Next, Elevate, Unity. Quotes from students Leslie Andersen and Mariah Woodyard highlight Naleigha’s positivity, motivation, and leadership. The right-side photo shows her receiving the award certificate from a school administrator in a classroom.ONE Wamego Recognition Award presented to Jason Shelangouski, Wamego Middle School Teacher. The design features the Wamego ‘W’ logo and the values Ownership, Next, Elevate, Unity. Student quotes from Addie Rookstool and an anonymous nominator praise his teaching, accountability, and encouragement. The photo shows Jason accepting the award in the school gym hallway with another staff member.ONE Wamego Recognition Award presented to Olivia O’Neill, Central Elementary SPED Teacher. The design includes the Wamego ‘W’ logo and four core values: Ownership, Next, Elevate, Unity. The text below highlights Olivia’s Sunshine Cart project teaching life skills and building community. Courtney Simpson’s quote praises her leadership and connection. A photo on the right shows Olivia receiving the certificate from a staff member in a classroom.ONE Wamego Recognition Award presented to Cathy Woodyard, Retired West Elementary Teacher. The poster features the Wamego ‘W’ logo with a feather, and the words Ownership, Next, Elevate, and Unity describing the award values. A quote from Sara Greene praises Cathy’s dedication, reliability, and support for students. On the right, Cathy receives the certificate from a staff member in a school office setting.ONE Wamego Recognition Award presented to Bob Annan, Parent and Community Member. The poster displays the Wamego ‘W’ logo and core values Ownership, Next, Elevate, Unity. Below, a quote from Linsay Totten commends Bob’s strong support for all students, not just his own. The right-side photo shows Bob receiving the award certificate from a school representative inside a school office.ONE Wamego Recognition Award presented to Coach Rick Patton, Wamego High School Cross Country and Track Coach. The poster includes the Wamego ‘W’ logo and the four award values: Ownership, Next, Elevate, Unity. Quotes from teacher Kandy Williams and student Kayla Balver describe Coach Patton as a mentor, role model, and inspiring leader. The image on the right shows him receiving the award in a school office.
Want to recognize someone next month?
Nominations are open to students, staff, family members, and community members through the last day of each month. All nominees will receive a copy of their nomination as a thank-you for the difference they make.

Submit your nomination here.

Together, we are ONE Wamego — Owning it. Next play. Elevating. United.