Board of Education honors award-winning staff

Staff resolutions are presented at the beginning of most Lincoln Board of Education meetings. These formal resolutions celebrate the many accomplishments of Lincoln Public Schools staff.

During the past year, the board honored 17 staff members who won either state or national awards:

Jen Yoder, special education teacher at Irving Middle School, 2020 Award for Teaching Excellence from the Nebraska State Education Association 

Mindy Diller, family and consumer science teacher at Lux Middle School, 2020 Community Service Award from the Nebraska State Education Association

Katie Lewis, Elliott Elementary School, 2019-20 State Paraeducator of the Year from the Nebraska State Education Association

Ryan Escamilla, associate principal at Lincoln High, Distinguished School Administrator Award from the Nebraska School Librarians Association

Lis Brenden, Lincoln Southwest High School, 2020 Nebraska Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year from the Nebraska Society of Health and Physical Educators 

Mallory Nutt, Randolph Elementary School, 2020 Nebraska Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year from the Nebraska Society of Health and Physical Educators

Mindy Murphy, curriculum specialist for secondary English and language arts, 2020-21 Administrator’s Award from the Nebraska Thespians Society

Lance Nielsen, supervisor of music, 2021 Outstanding Administrator Award from the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association

Betsy Thomas, librarian at Kooser Elementary School, 2021 Distinguished Educator Award from the Nebraska State Literacy Association 

Brenda Leggiadro, supervisor of counseling and school social work, Friend of School Social Work award from the School Social Work Association

Russ Uhing, director of student services, Friend of School Social Work award from the School Social Work Association

Chris Haeffner, director of library services, Educational Administrator of the Year Award from the Nebraska Educational Office Professionals Association

Lindsey Herting, teacher at Lincoln High School, Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching Award from the American Psychological Association

Victoria Freeman, debate coach at Lincoln High School, James M. Copeland High School Coach of the Year Award from the National Speech & Debate Association

Kathi Wieskamp, director of athletics and activities, Athletic Director of the Year for District I award from the Nebraska State Athletic Administrators Association 

Mark Armstrong, athletic director at Lincoln Southwest High School, Award of Merit from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association


Published: July 16, 2021, Updated: July 16, 2021

Lincoln High teacher Lindsey Herting was one of 17 LPS staff members honored during the 2020-21 school year with a formal resolution from the Lincoln Board of Education in recognition of them winning state or national awards.