Each month during the school year, the Pattonville Board of Education honors students, staff and volunteers who have gained recognition outside of the district or who’ve made a special contribution to the educational programs in Pattonville. Learn more about students and staff who were recognized in October.

Holman Middle School

Art teacher of the year

Montie Richter, art teacher at Holman Middle School, was recognized as a recipient of the Prang Art Teacher of the Year award. The national program annually recognizes 10 art teachers across the country who have made significant contributions in the lives of their students by advancing art education and inspiring self-expression through art. More than 2,000 people across the country — including parents, students, fellow educators and community members — nominated art teachers deserving of this honor. Honorees were chosen by a selection committee. Richter will receive a customized plaque and $5,000 worth of Prang art supplies.

Montie Richter, second from left, is shown with, from left, superintendent Dr. Barry Nelson and board members Dan Wentz and Brandon Wilkes.

Pattonville Heights Middle School

Published author

Eighth grader Eva Benson recently published her first manga novel, “Forgotten.” She is both the author and illustrator of this published work. Benson will soon be selling copies of her published novel. 

Eva Benson, front, is shown with, from left, superintendent Dr. Barry Nelson and board members Dan Wentz and Brandon Wilkes.

Pattonville High School

Teen Miss America

Junior Cyan Kelley won the national title of Teen Miss Princess of America. The national pageant was held in Branson. Required categories of competition included interview, personal introduction, formal wear and on-stage question. Participants also had the opportunity to enter optional categories, in which Kelley took away awards in photogenic, spokesmodel, casual wear and fun fashion modeling. Kelley will spend the year traveling to other states, making appearances to represent the Princess of America organization and promoting her platform, SUNN (Serving Up Nutrition and Necessities), where she brings awareness to and addresses issues prevalent to the unhoused and those struggling with food insecurity. 

Cyan Kelley, second from left, is shown with, from left, superintendent Dr. Barry Nelson and board members Dan Wentz and Brandon Wilkes.

District

Educator award

Teisha Ashford, principal at Pattonville High School, and Dr. Tori Cain, assistant superintendent of student services, were selected by the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Iota Phi Sorority Inc. to receive the Apple for the Teacher award for meeting qualifications as an outstanding educator. Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a business and professional women’s organization founded in 1929 which promotes increased interest in business education among high school and college women through programs and scholarships. Ashford and Dr. Cain will be recognized at the Apple for the Teacher Awards Luncheon on Nov. 19.

Shown are, from left, high school principal Teisha Ashford, superintendent Dr. Barry Nelson, assistant superintendent of student services Dr. Tori Cain and board members Brandon Wilkes and Dan Wentz.