May 15, 2025
The Wentzville School District celebrated distinguished teachers and staff in its annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday, May 14, at North Point High School.
Honorees included Building Teachers of the Year, Building Support Staff Employees of the Year, those celebrating 20 and 30 years of service in the WSD, and retirees. Honorees from WSD award categories of District Teacher of the Year, District Support Staff Employee of the Year, District Substitute of the Year, District Volunteer of the Year, District Community Partner of the Year, and District Administrator of the Year were also recognized.
Almost 300 attendees joined in the celebratory event.
District Teacher of the Year
Lori Boatman, sixth grade social studies teacher at North Point Middle, was celebrated as the 2024-25 WSD Teacher of the Year. Boatman has worked for the WSD for more than 14 years.
“Lori does so much for her students and for the teachers at NPMS,” said Dr. Kelly Mantz, North Point Middle principal. “She has a treasure trove of resources that she is willing to share to help others become better teachers.”
Watch a spotlight video about Boatman here.
Twenty-three Building Teachers of the Year were also celebrated.
District Support Staff Employee of the Year
Debra Kerns, instructional assistant at Frontier Middle School, was celebrated as the 2024-25 District Support Staff Employee of the Year. Kerns has worked at Frontier Middle and for the WSD for 17 years.
“Deb Kerns is an absolute treasure at Frontier Middle School, embodying the very heart and spirit of our community,” said Dr. Kathryn Greer, Frontier Middle principal. “She is, without a doubt, one of the most positive and uplifting staff members, radiating warmth and positive energy that brightens everyone's day. Her dedication to students and staff is truly remarkable.”
Watch a spotlight video about Kerns here.
Twenty-seven Building Support Staff Employees of the Year were also celebrated.
District Substitute of the Year
Jackie Mercurio was celebrated as the 2024-25 District Substitute of the Year. She has been a substitute in the WSD for seven years.
“Jackie helps provide a place for our staff and students to feel like they belong, are cared for, and have a person they can depend upon,” said Dr. Damian Fay, principal at Crossroads Elementary.
District Volunteer of the Year
Cynthia Madden was celebrated as the 2024-25 District Volunteer of the Year.
“Cynthia has been a key member of South Middle School PTO for many years, and our PTO President for the past five years,” said the nominator. “She assists with Teacher Appreciation Week, Fun Nights, School Dances, Coffee with the Principals, volunteers to help with guiding traffic for the new dismissal plan, 7th grade Career Day, Veteran's Day, and too many more events to list.”
District Administrator of the Year
Dr. Alicia Hooton, principal of Duello Elementary School, was celebrated as the 2024-25 District Administrator of the Year.
“She celebrates and problem-solves academic growth and works with teams to help kids reach their potential,” said one nominator. “She shares the data with us in a way that we are motivated to be better teachers and learn from each other to help every student learn and grow. Her excitement and commitment to us as a staff and the students are truly admirable.”
District Community Partner of the Year
Wentzville Fire Protection District was celebrated as the 2024-25 District Community Partner of the Year.
“The Wentzville Fire Protection District is committed to serving and protecting our community through fire protection, prevention, education, and community outreach,” a nominator said. “Their long-standing partnership with the WSD is a testament to our shared commitment to meeting the needs of our students and their families, and to creating a school and community where all are empowered to thrive and grow.”
