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4 Students and 11 Teachers in the WSD Honored by Economic Development Council

March 19, 2024

Ten students and teachers from the Wentzville School District (WSD) were recognized at the St. Charles County STEM Awards Breakfast on March 8 hosted by the Economic Development Council (EDC). The EDC announced after the event that five more WSD teachers will also be honored.

The breakfast pays tribute to high school students who have shown notable excellence in STEM subjects. This year marked the 15th anniversary of this impactful event.

Congratulations to WSD students Eshal Janjua of Timberland High School, Hayden Liter of North Point High School, Emma Thomas of Liberty High School, and Bo Anh Tran (not pictured) of Holt High School for their recognition. 

Emma Thomas of Liberty High School Eshal Janjua of Timberland High School Hayden Liter of North Point High School

At the breakfast, the EDC also announced its 2024 Randy Schilling Grant winners. Of the 10 teacher grants of up to $1,000 each awarded at the event, six were given to WSD educators. 

This grant, named in honor of local IT entrepreneur and STEM advocate Randy Schilling, aims to support K-12 teachers in St. Charles County by providing funding for STEM-related classroom materials during the 2024-25 academic year.

WSD Randy Schilling Grant winners included: 

  • Benjamin Creen, Liberty High School

  • Cherie Boren, Timberland High School

  • Jim Bruegenhemke, Boone Trail Elementary

  • Rene Mills, Ratchet Rockers Robotics Team

  • Jenna Parrish, Peine Ridge Elementary

  • Michelle Schroepfer, Boone Trail Elementary

Teacher Honorees

Second-round Randy Schilling Grant winners from the WSD included:

  • Heather Erwin, Wabash Elementary

  • Edward Picone, Wentzville Middle

  • Stacie Bethmann, Boone Trail Elementary

  • Kelsey Dixon, Wabash Elementary

  • Jennifer Kastner, Duello Elementary

Since 2021, this program has put over $26,000 directly into St. Charles County classrooms. Funded materials and projects have included a thermocycler for DNA amplification, LEGO Education Kits, 3-D printers, audiovisual technology, robotics equipment, coding software, and more.

Grant applications were de-identified and reviewed by a sub-committee of the EDC's STEM Education Committee, which is comprised of representatives from local public and private schools, along with local business and civic leaders. Winners represent the five public school districts in St. Charles County, as well as three private schools.

Congratulations to WSD’s student honorees and Randy Schilling STEM Educators Grant winners!

Photos provided by the EDC.