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Mehlville School District’s Classified Employee of the Year makes everyone feel welcome

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Beverly Shannon, an administrative assistant at Mehlville High School, was named the Mehlville School District Classified Employee of the Year at the district’s Recognition Night ceremony on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Shannon is in her 12th year at Mehlville High School. She is known as someone colleagues can depend on to answer any questions.

A staff member receives an away from the board of education and superintendent while standing on a stage

Image: Shannon receives the district Classified Employee of the Year award from Mehlville Board of Education members and Dr. Jeff Haug, Superintendent of Schools.

Shannon is an indispensable member of the Mehlville High School team, said Abby Makowsky, Mehlville High School Assistant Principal. “Her mastery of our internal processes and systems is unmatched; she doesn't just navigate our school’s operations — she anticipates its needs. Whether she is managing the complexities of our A+ Program or flawlessly coordinating the Gold Cord Dinner, Bev executes every task with a level of precision and professionalism that sets the standard for our entire staff.”

“Ms. Shannon is a great go-to person,” said Jackie Cordes, Mehlville High School administrative assistant. “She’s the first person to greet you, make you feel welcome and make you feel seen and heard. She is a wealth of knowledge, and she cares.”

Students often take the time to check-in with Shannon each day.

“Ms. Shannon is so kind, and she does everything for everybody,” said Jasean, a Mehlville High School student. “I love that when I stop by the office, it instantly puts a smile on her face, and it puts a smile on mine, too.”

Shannon will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. Her colleagues say her expertise will be missed next school year.

“She knows all of the inner workings of the entire school and keeps the main office running so smoothly,” said Roseann Bruns, Mehlville High School Principal. “The best part about Ms. Shannon is her empathy for others. She welcomes all new staff, teachers and students, and she genuinely cares about them.”

Our Classified Employees of the Year

At Recognition Night, the district recognized school-level Classified Employees of the Year for the 2026-2027 school year. Congratulations to these incredible support staff members!

  • Lisa Whitmire, Mehlville Early Childhood paraprofessional
  • Paul Gabriel, Beasley Elementary School head custodian
  • Carolyn Gabriel, Bierbaum Elementary School cafeteria manager
  • Mandy Meilinger, Blades Elementary School administrative assistant
  • Mary Flood, Forder Elementary School paraprofessional
  • Christy Rathert, Hagemann Elementary School nurse
  • Karen Ettling, MOSAIC Elementary School cafeteria manager
  • Sarah Hertel, Oakville Elementary School paraprofessional
  • Kerry Obert, Point Elementary School head custodian
  • Jen Cook, Rogers Elementary School cafeteria recess monitor
  • Sylvia Harris, Trautwein Elementary School interventionist
  • Dawn Gorsuch-Blunt, Wohlwend Elementary School administrative assistant
  • Leah Byrd, Bernard Middle School administrative assistant
  • Craig Schutzius, Buerkle Middle School custodian
  • Nancy Briggs, Oakville Middle School paraprofessional
  • Kelly Gowens, Washington MIddle School nurse
  • Bev Shannon, Mehlville High School administrative assistant
  • Ramela Fazlic, Oakville High School administrative assistant
  • Wendy Nichols, SCOPE administrative assistant
  • Karen Molner, Central Administrative Building print shop manager
  • Torre Tessmer, Jefferson Barracks custodial supervisor
  • Annette Kobermann, Transportation bus driver
  • Retiring Support staff

Retiring Support Staff

A large group of staff members pose for a group photo in a banquet room

Image: Retiring teachers and support staff members were recognized on Tuesday, April 7, at the district’s Retiree Luncheon.

Thank you to these support staff members who are retiring at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year!

  • Robert Stringer, Mehlville Early Childhood custodian
  • Marc Raines, Blades Elementary School head custodian
  • Beverly Shannon, Mehlville High School administrative assistant
  • John Klevorn, Oakville High School head custodian
  • Anthony Butler, Network Administrator
  • Joseph Copping, Facilities preventative maintenance technician
  • Scott McCrea, Facilities painter
  • Benjamin Aguinaldo, Transportation bus driver
  • Pamela Aguinaldo, Transportation bus driver
  • Sue Cliffe, Transportation bus driver
  • Thomas Dehart, Transportation utility driver/maintenance technician
  • Gerald Hafertepe, Transportation mechanic
  • Joseph Hirbe, Transportation bus driver
  • John Kotowski, Transportation bus driver
  • Donald Parrott, Transportation bus driver
  • Janienne Reece, Transportation bus driver
  • Cynthia Ulbricht, Transportation bus driver
  • Jean Williams, Transportation bus driver

Thank you to our sponsors!

A graphic containing comic book graphics, the Midwest BankCentre and Cocos Plumbing Logos, and text reads "Our Sponsors - Platinum" and "Our Sponsors - Gold"

Thank you to the following Platinum and Gold sponsors for their support of district recognition activities: Midwest BankCentre and William G. Cocos Plumbing Co. Inc.