Affton School District proudly celebrated 42 outstanding team members, volunteers, and community partners at the 29th Annual Service and Outstanding Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Awards on April 30. The evening also featured the presentation of the Distinguished Service Awards and a special Superintendent’s Award.
“This year’s SOAR honorees represent the very best of Affton,” said Dr. Travis Bracht, superintendent. “Each one of them has gone above and beyond in service, support, and spirit. Whether in a classroom, behind the scenes, or out in the community, their actions have made a lasting impact on our students, our schools, and the future we’re building together.”
Seven nominees received the prestigious SOAR Award. They include:
Mel Domkoski,
Community Partner with Preferred Family Health
Shannon Duda, Special School District (SSD) Paraprofessional at Gotsch Intermediate
Angie Hanks, Volunteer
Tim Hill, Social Studies Teacher at Affton High School
Kelly Hoffman, Special School District (SSD) Teacher at Affton High School
Katy Meers, Director of Special Education at Affton School District
Katie Rice, Art Teacher at Rogers Middle School
In addition to the seven SOAR Award winners, the Distinguished Service Award winners, and the winner of the Superintendent’s Award, 35 others were nominated and honored at the ceremony:
Stephanie Averbeck
, Volunteer
Liz Bauer
, Kindergarten Teacher at Mesnier Primary School
Dr. Christina Been
, Principal at Mesnier Primary School
Angie Bleich
, SSD Teacher at Rogers Middle School
Denise Bova
, SSD RBT at Gotsch Intermediate School
Sarah Brotherton
, Reading Interventionist at Rogers Middle School
Amber Burgdorf
, SSD Teacher at Affton High School
Erica Chandler
, APR, Director of Communications at Affton School District
Angie Chaplin
, Instructional Staff Assistant at Mesnier Primary School
Sarah Collins
, ELL Teacher at Affton High School
Krista Dieckmann
, Director of Accounting at Affton School District
Christine Eggers
, Administrative Assistant to Buildings & Grounds at Affton Schools
Steve Fedchak
, Chief Financial Officer at Affton School District
Jen Ferguson
, SSD Instructional Coach at Affton School District
Laurie Free
, Science Teacher at Affton High School
David Gillean
, Assistant Principal at Affton High School
Dr. Kevin Griffin
, Principal at Rogers Middle School
Edis Grozdanic
, Volunteer
Mary Giunta
, College & Career Counselor at Affton High School
Kellie Hornberger
, SSD Teacher at Affton High School
Paula Hudson
, Transportation Coordinator at Affton School District
Alex Jahncke
, SSD Paraprofessional at Affton High School
Joe Jimas
, AECC Facilitator at Affton Early Childhood
Samantha Kempf
, Math Teacher at Rogers Middle School
Debra Klemme
, Chartwell Food Service at Affton High School
Kelly Miller
, SSD Teacher at Mesnier Primary School
Sally Onkle
, District Data Coordinator at Affton School District
Sharon Palmer
, SSD Teacher at Affton High School
Ashley Pinkerton
, SSD Teacher at Affton High School
Kathy Schnurr
, Bus Driver at Affton School District
Mikey Sinamon
, Volunteer
Gina Stewart
, SSD Speech/Language Pathologist at Affton High School
Bre Wagner
, Science Teacher at Affton High School
Elizabeth Weber
, SSD Teacher at Affton High School
Dr. Loren Widmer
, Director of Student Services at Affton School District
4th Annual Distinguished Service Award Winners Celebrated
Affton School District is proud to honor the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award—outstanding support staff members whose behind-the-scenes efforts make a big difference every day. These dedicated individuals are the heart of our schools, working tirelessly to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student and staff member. From the front office to the cafeteria, classrooms to custodial care, their commitment helps our schools thrive—and we are grateful for all they do.
Six nominees received the 2025 Distinguished Service Award. They include:
Rubie Becker, Staff Assistant at Affton Early Childhood;
Heather Welte, ELL Staff Assistant at Mesnier Primary;
Mikaela Glascock, School Nurse at Gotsch Intermediate;
MaKayla Hunter, Administrative Assistant at Rogers Middle School;
Muharem Becirevic, Custodian at Affton High School; and
Brandon Clark, IT Specialist at Central Office.
Judy Rethwisch Receives 2025 Superintendent’s Award
Affton School District is honored to present the 2025 Superintendent’s Award to Judy Rethwisch for her extraordinary dedication to students, the arts, and the Affton community across more than six decades of service.
A champion of theatre education and an Affton icon, Judy has spent her career opening doors for students—from directing countless productions to leading statewide initiatives that strengthened arts education across Missouri. In her roles as classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and Fine Arts Coordinator for the district, she has inspired generations of students and educators while also helping secure millions in grants to support teacher development and the arts.
Her leadership helped establish programs such as the Affton Foundation, the district’s Hall of Fame, and key community partnerships through the Metro South Arts Council and the Jewish Community Relations Council. Even in her “retirement,” Judy has continued to serve—raising funds, coordinating scholarships, preserving local history, and mentoring young educators with unmatched generosity and wisdom.
“This year’s Superintendent’s Award recipient embodies everything we stand for in Affton—service, excellence, and heart,” said Dr. Travis Bracht, superintendent. “Judy Rethwisch has shaped the lives of thousands of students, teachers, and community members through her advocacy, leadership, and unwavering passion for the arts. Her impact is immeasurable, and her legacy will inspire generations to come.”
