The Clear Creek Amana Community School District announces the October 2025 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.

The weather caused the school board meeting to go to a virtual meeting and we were unable to get group photos of our December Student and Staff of the Month. 

Elementary Student of the Month - Elias Reynolds, North Bend Elementary

Nominated by Shawntel Young

Elias goes above and beyond academically. He is an attentive listener during whole group and works well with others in a small group leading the way. He does an amazing job at choral reading and partner reading. In math, he knows his multiplication facts already and has a goal to learn his division facts!

Elias goes out of his way to be kind towards other. He helps students when they need it and I can always count on him to explain something to students who are struggling to understand something or to students who were absent. Students look up to him and he makes it easy to be a friend. 

Elias is deserving of student of the month because he is a great student to have in the classroom and a great peer to others. He is always following expectations, choosing kind, helping others, and is a great leader in the classroom.

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Middle School Student of the Month - Jake Vance

Nominated by Micaela Alexander

Jake does well in his classes and is an overall great student.

Jake is constantly looking out for his peers and helping those who are having a rough time or just need a friend. It is clear that he genuinely cares not only about his friends, but all people in general. He is also very respectful to both his peers and all staff members throughout the building.

Without even being asked, Jake pays attention to his peers that may not have a friend to sit with at lunch and makes sure they do not feel alone by sitting with them. He has a heart of gold!

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High School Students of The Month - Liahna Malin & Zhiyue Chen

Presented by Chris Copeland

It is my pleasure to recognize two outstanding student–musicians, bassoonist Zhiyue Chen and clarinetist Liahna Malin, for earning a place in the prestigious Iowa All-State Band. Both students were selected from an exceptionally competitive field of musicians during the district auditions held on October 25th at Iowa City West High School. Their selection places them among the approximately 17% of auditioning students statewide who are chosen for membership in the All-State ensembles.

Zhiyue and Liahna participated in the 79th Annual Iowa All-State Music Festival, held November 21–22 in Ames, with the culminating Festival Concert taking place on Saturday, November 22nd in Hilton Coliseum. They had the rewarding opportunity to perform challenging repertoire under the direction of Dr. Scott Lubaroff. The concert was recorded by Iowa PBS for later broadcast as part of this long-standing statewide tradition, presented by the Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) and the Iowa Music Educators Association (IMEA).

This achievement represents just a small snapshot of the dedication and excellence Liahna and Zhiyue demonstrate in the CCA music program. Both students are active leaders within our community—Liahna served as drum major during this past marching season, while Zhiyue contributed significantly as a marimba player in the front ensemble. Their work ethic, musicianship, and pride in their craft serve as models for their peers and reflect the high standards of our school district.

It is with great pride that we acknowledge and celebrate these two exceptional students for their accomplishments. We look forward to all they will continue to achieve.

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Elementary Staff of The Month - Lisa Olson, Oak Hill Elementary

Nominated by Brian Williams

Lisa goes above and beyond with her job duties daily.   Whether it is providing extra support to a struggling student or being a sounding board for another colleague, Lisa is a caring and compassionate educator, always willing to help where needed and does it with a smile:-).  Recently, Lisa was asked to help with 2nd grade's new literacy curriculum pilot due to larger classes sizes, even though her role is an interventionist.  She is willing to do whatever it takes for the kids.  SELFLESS.  To quote Stephen Covey, she "Keeps the main thing, the main thing."  

Lisa is SELFLESS and models good character and kindness to everyone she interacts with.  When talking with her, she makes you feel like your the most important person with care and concern.  Then you realize, she is like that to everyone.

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Middle School Staff of The Month - Kyle Forness

Nominated by Jess Huch 

Mr. Forness has a tough job dealing with discipline needs of students who may be struggling to work in class. When staff needs him, he is always immediately available, and if not, he figures out how the staff member can get the assistance needed as soon as possible. He coaches staff and students when roadblocks hit that may prevent our ultimate goal of student success. Mr. Forness always answers questions and, if he doesn't know, is willing to find the answer for you. He is an invaluable member of the middle school staff.

By having high expectations for everyone, but expressing those expectations with a willingness to help assist in anyway, Mr. Forness models good character and kindness with every interaction with students, staff, and parents.

Nominated by Morgan Hibbs

Kyle supports teachers with student behaviors. He is always there when we need him. Kyle is a great leader, always calm, and helps to de-stress a situation. 

He goes above and beyond to help students who are struggling. He shows kindness to all and is always looking for a positive outcome. He collaborates with teachers to help create a plan of action that is best for the students.

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High School Staff of The Month - Natalie Fry

Nominated by Dawn Shannahan

Natalie juggles students taking online classes, students doing hybrid classes, and many, many test takers every single day.  She doesn't drop any of the balls she is juggling. She works hard!  I think it's rare if she leaves at 3:45 pm.

Natalie is incredibly patient with students.  I've seen her assist students with online coursework and encourage students when taking tests.  She is a cheerleader for students and they know she's in their corner.  They also know she is going to hold them accountable and they respect her for that.

 

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District Staff of The Month - Mark Vogt (no photo)

Nominated by Katie Sloan

He is very kind all of the time.  Always has a smile on his face.  He will help out whenever he is needed. Mark is always willing to help, and really friendly.  

More recently, Mark started helping our transportation department by being an afternoon van driver for students and Denny, our Director of Transportation said he’s been great! He is a huge help wherever and whenever needed throughout the district and attendance centers.