SCJH’s Blackaby, Foster named Bell Ringer winners for September

Smith-Cotton Junior High administrative assistant Holly Blackaby and physical education teacher Brian Foster are the recipients of the Superintendent’s Bell Ringer Award for September.

The monthly award is a way for Superintendent Steve Triplett to honor Sedalia 200 staff members who put the district’s mission statement into action and those who display exemplary effort in celebrating student success. Winners are selected from nominations made by staff members and administrators.

Courtesy of Sedalia School District 200
Sedalia School District 200 Superintendent Steve Triplett, far right, presents Smith-Cotton Junior High administrative assistant Holly Blackaby and physical education teacher Brian Foster with the Superintendents’ Bell Ringer Award on Thursday, Sept. 23, at the school. At left is SCJH Principal Stacy Curry.

The nominator for Blackaby wrote: “Mrs. Blackaby is the glue that holds Smith-Cotton Junior High together. Between her taking care of students, staff and administration, Mrs. Blackaby deals with each circumstance with urgency, grace, knowledge and humor as needed.” Foster’s nominators praised his work at the start of each day dealing with student IDs. One of them wrote: “Part of this job involves conferencing with students and contacting parents when students continue to forget to bring their ID badges to school. Mr. Foster has gone above and beyond to help make this process a success. … Another benefit of having Mr. Foster in the office in the mornings is that he helps conference with students who are struggling with various situations. His ability to build relationships with students and motivate them to be successful has been greatly appreciated.” Triplett said, “In many ways, the junior high can be the most challenging building in the district.

The work that Mrs. Blackaby and Mr. Foster do to help get days started right and remain on track is vital for day-to-day success. We are fortunate to have them playing key roles for Principal Stacy Curry and her team, as well as for all the students.” Other nominees for September were: Stacey Steinkuhler and Jonathan Tester, Smith-Cotton High School; Danyale Ragus, Meredith Brick and Stephen Broadbent, Smith-Cotton Junior High; Amber Boles, Nicole Silvey and Jonathan Calhoun, Sedalia Middle School; and Joel Sherman, Loftus Early Childhood Center.