First row: Olivia Stevens, Samuel Stewart, Sydney Pfeiffer, Liam Kalkwarf, Kenzie Robinson, Second row: Lisa Stevens, Nick Pfeiffer, Laurel Keenan, Karrigan Samuelson, Denny Schreckengast, Superintendent Aaron Davidson, Abdouramane Bila.

The Clear Creek Amana Community School District announces the May 2026 Students and Staff of the Month Honorees.

This program recognizes one student and one staff member each month from an elementary school, the middle school, and the high school for exceeding expectations.

Congratulations to our May CCA Students and Staff of the Month!

Kenzie Robinson
East Ridge Elementary Student of The Month
Nominated by Mr. Paulson, Ms. Ashley, Mrs. Hess

Kenzie is a naturally curious, thoughtful, and persistent student.  In every academic area, Kenzie is a seeker of excellence in learning and growing.  She is always willing to share her thinking with the class and her partners, while always making space for others to share in the learning as well.  She takes on the role of coach in our classroom when classmates need help by working alongside, but never for another student, which is not an easy task.  

Being exceptional at East Ridge is taking on additional responsibility without being asked, seeing a need and filling it, and finding solutions to problems that arise in our school.  When a classmate shared with the class some information that was tender and vulnerable, Kenzie stepped right up to ask how we as a class can be most helpful during times of struggle.  Then, she acted on the information that was provided.  She offers kindness, support in the ways that her classmates need, genuine connection and empathy, and friendship.  This is the Kenzie that shows up in the classroom, in the hallway, at student council, at recess, in sporting events, and in the lunchroom because this is who she is at her core - an incredible human being. 

Whether leading in the classroom, on the student council, at recess, on the basketball court, or on the golf green, Kenzie is always giving her full effort while building others up around her at the same time.  She a person of integrity, grit, kindness, empathy, and compassion.  I'm so grateful that I was able to share in Kenzie's learning this school year and am so excited for what her future holds!

Liam Kalkwarf
Middle School Student of The Month
Nominated by Andrew Rottinghaus

Liam is such an amazing student. He is a complete self starter and very driven. He is always willing to go above and beyond and do as much extra stuff as possible. Every day after the lesson he asks for extra practice problems and do a ton of extra IXL's. He has made so much growth this year!

Liam is such a great help in class. Always willing to help me out and also help others. I see him trying to help other students when they don't understand something and is just so compassionate. 

Liam deserves student of the month because he is one of the only 6th graders who is constantly and consistently going above and beyond in terms of his academics, and relationships with his peers and teachers. We are so proud of him and he very much deserves this recognition.

Samuel Stewart
High School Student of The Month
Nominated by High School Staff and presented by Mr. Daniel

"As our district vision states, “Clear Creek Amana Community School District will foster a family atmosphere.”  Family includes all of our students, and Samuel Stewart’s nomination as a High School Student of the Month reflects our commitment to recognizing the positive impact he has made on our CCA family.

Samuel is a student who brings energy, humor, and positivity into our building each day. His presence is felt throughout the halls, where peers regularly stop to greet him, check in, and often leave with a smile of their own. As you can see, many students have signed his air casts, a reflection of the connections he has built across our school community. His sense of humor and personality shine through in many ways, including his unique clothing choices that often bring smiles to those around him.

While Samuel has faced health challenges, he does not allow them to define his school experience. He shows up each day with determination, consistently faces challenges with grit and persistence, and brings a positive spirit that uplifts those around him.  I am proud to share that Samuel is on track to earn his diploma this Sunday at graduation.

Sydney Pfeiffer & Olivia Stevens:

I invited Sydney and Olivia here today because they have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to Samuel and have been by his side for much longer than my time at CCA.  In today’s world, kindness is not always a given, but Sydney and Olivia consistently exemplify it through their character and the way they treat others.

They approach all peers with respect and genuine care, and their actions have made a meaningful difference in Samuel’s high school experience. Olivia attended Prom with Samuel this year, and Sydney reached out to Victoria to ensure Samuel was included in Senior Skip Day. These are powerful examples of what inclusion and friendship look like in action, especially in moments where it could easily be overlooked. Samuel’s journey through CCA would undoubtedly be more challenging without the support of peers like Sydney and Olivia.  I commend both of you for your character, your leadership, and the way you represent CCA each day."

Karrigan Samuelson
Tiffin Elementary Staff of The Month
Nominated by Brittney McCaw

Mrs. S consistently addresses the individual needs of each student. She makes an effort to visit the special education classroom to build connections with our students and is always prepared to provide exceptional support for their English Language Learner development.

She is always polite and always has a smile on her face!

Lisa Stevens
Clear Creek Amana Middle School Staff of The Month
Nominated by Whitney Eister

Nurse Lisa is an outstanding candidate for Staff of the Month at the middle school because of her unwavering dedication and positive impact on the entire school community. She is always willing to step in wherever she is needed without complaint, consistently going above and beyond her role. Lisa has built strong, trusting relationships with both students and staff, thanks to her caring nature, understanding approach, and willingness to truly listen. When another building needed nursing coverage, she immediately volunteered, demonstrating her professionalism and commitment to student care. Her warm smile, lighthearted jokes, and genuine kindness make visits to the nurse’s office feel safe and comforting, helping students feel at ease. Nurse Lisa’s compassion and teamwork make her an invaluable part of the school.

Nurse Lisa always has a smile on her face and willing to help any student & staff with any health needs or just to be a listening ear. She makes great relationships with staff and students and is always kind & caring.

Laurel Keenan
Clear Creek Amana High School Staff of The Month
Nominated by Alyssa Amelon and Dawn Shanahan

Alyssa's nomination:

Laurel exceeds all expectations of a high school teacher. She teaches Business classes at the high school and makes her finance classes engaging and relevant by hosting guest speakers, the mock interviews and relevant lessons. Laurel is setting high school students up for success after graduation. In the area of extra-curriculars she coaches cross country, track, our FBLA organization and was the prom sponsor. This year in FBLA she had 35 students compete in 61 different state level FBLA events with numerous top 10 finishes. In everything she does she does with the highest regard. Success is important to Laurel and she takes the steps in order to ensure Clear Creek Amana High School students succeed. 

Laurel treats everyone with respect and offers kindness no matter the situation. In difficult moments her integrity and compassion guides her actions. She is a role model to many and Clear Creek Amana High School is fortunate to have her on staff. 

Dawn's nomination: 

Laurel is amazing!  She teaches college level classes, coaches track and field, is the FBLA Sponsor, and coordinated Prom last weekend!  Talk about going above and beyond!!!

Laurel cares about her students' success and will do whatever it takes for them to succeed.  She always has a positive attitude and has a willingness to help.  For example, Laurel asked me what she could do to help me with her portion of the Senior Awards Ceremony, while she was juggling all of the above!  Laurel is a truly good person and someone her students and colleagues can look up to!

Denny Schreckengast, Director of Transportation
District Staff of The Month
Nominated by Diane Hummel

Goes out of his way to help all of his staff!

Always kind to everyone and has 50 balls in the air at once