Front row: Lauren Starkenburg, Cassidy Wing, Chelsey Boettcher, Beckett Campbell
Back row: Superintendent Aaron Davidson, David Zorn, Reid Kaalberg, Board Member Casey Cooney, Board Member Gabe Schaapveld

The Clear Creek Amana Community School District announces the January 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.

Cassidy Wing is the Elementary Student Of The Month from Clear Creek Elementary
Nominated by Tessa Stevens

Each and every day, Cassidy consistently comes prepared and ready to learn. One thing I notice every day is that she is always actively engaging in class discussions. Her enthusiasm to share insights and take the lead in group activities highlights her dedication and passion for learning. She approaches challenging assignments with a proactive attitude, showing a keen sense of accountability. Cassidy's remarkable critical thinking skills, coupled with her ability to reflect and grow from feedback, shows she is a student committed to achieving academic success.

Cassidy shines as a beacon of positivity in her classroom. With a warm and inviting presence, she enters the classroom each day, spreading her positive attitude to her peers. Notably, Cassidy’s proactive nature stands out as she willingly extends a helping hand to her classmates without a hint of judgment showcasing her genuine desire to help others succeed. 

For example, there was an occasion where another peer was nervous to address a situation and they confided in Cassidy. Cassidy not only took initiative of the situation and came to me with the information so I was aware, but she gave the other student the courage to walk up alongside her to let that peer know she cared and was not alone. 

As a teacher, nothing brings me more pride than this one simple act. Each day, amidst all the learning, if my students take away just one thing from what I mention daily, I hope it is always the importance of kindness towards others. Cassidy embodies this value perfectly and serves as a shining example of what it truly means to be a kind and compassionate individual.

Cassidy embodies the essence of a model student by exuding positivity, initiative, and a growth mindset that benefits both herself and those around her.

Cassidy stands out as an exceptional student because she radiates positivity, takes initiative, and embraces a growth mindset, all of which contribute not only to her personal growth but also to the positive environment of her peers. In every way, Cassidy embodies the qualities of a model student, making her truly deserving of this recognition.

Lauren Starkenburg is the CCA Middle School Student Of The Month 
Nominated by John Demory

She always does her very best in class with a smile on her face. 

When doing group work she always pulls her weight (and more) without ever complaining.

Lauren is a very quiet student, but her hard work, kindness towards others, and effort speak for her.  She is a great Art student.

Beckett Campbell is the CCA High School Student Of The Month
Nominated by Principal Kayla Amelon and Principal Mr. Tom Daniel

I’d like to take a moment to recognize Beckett Campbell for the incredible gift of his time and heart. Beckett volunteers twice a week at Clear Creek Elementary, where he mentors a student by eating lunch with him, playing games, and even jumping into the classroom during work time to offer support.

Beckett is a wonderful role model who truly shows that it’s cool to be kind and to try your hardest. He has become a positive “big brother” not only to one student, but to many others in the classroom. His presence has made a meaningful impact, and we are so grateful for the difference he is making for our students and our school community.

Chelsey Boettcher is the Elementary Staff Of The Month from East Ridge Elementary
Nominated by Principal Ryan Paulson

Chelsey is a Special Education teacher at East Ridge and she consistently goes above and beyond for her students and her school.  She greets every challenge with positivity and has established such a safe and positive environment for her students as well as her team that it is truly incredible.  She does this all with an everlasting smile and it can not be understated how much her efforts have contributed to the overall success of our building.

Chelsey is reliable and consistent first and foremost which is very important for the students with which she works.  She also collaborates with teachers regularly and has established positive relationships with families and her community.  She always looks for the best in people and continually seeks to learn, grow, and perfect her craft.  We truly appreciate Chelsey and all she does.

Chelsey is reliable and consistent first and foremost which is very important for the students with which she works.  She also collaborates with teachers regularly and has established positive relationships with families and her community.  She always looks for the best in people and continually seeks to learn, grow, and perfect her craft.  We truly appreciate Chelsey and all she does.

Karl Vogel is the Middle School Staff Of The Month from CCA Middle School
Nominated by Micaela Alexander

When I first started working with Mr. Karl Vogel at the start of this school year, he stood out to me right away in a very positive way. Mr. Vogel not only teaches 7th grade science, but he also coaches middle school football in the fall and he coaches high school track in the spring. He is often one of the first teachers to school in the morning prepping for the day. He takes a lot of of his own personal time to help our students all throughout the day.

In addition, It is very typical for Mr. Vogel to be the first one to step-up and take on extra duties for our school such as covering teachers, attending IEP meetings, and helping out with extra work for his team. He does all of these things without complaint and without any desire or need for recognition.

Next, Mr. Vogel goes above and beyond for his students in his classroom. He builds fantastic relationships with all of his students and has very engaging lessons. He is willing to accommodate for students, even without request. For example, if a student is not able to do well assessing on paper, he will allow them to try by completing the same assignment virtually. If they are not able to do it that way, then he will allow them to do it orally. He will continue trying different avenues until he is able to get a good picture of what the student knows and in a way that works best for them, despite the fact that it may take more time or effort on his part to make that happen. Lastly, Mr. Vogel does a phenomenal job with classroom management. He holds them all of his students to a high standard while also giving them grace when it is necessary, which further strengthens his relationships with his students.

Mr. Vogel shows his good work ethic and kindness by responding to staff emails and requests in a timely manner. This is especially helpful to me as a special education teacher when I am needing to make changes or share updates about students often throughout the school year. Additionally, if Mr. Vogel has a question, concern, or suggestion to change the way things are going, he always addresses this in a kind and professional manner.

Mr. Vogel also shows kindness and models good character by keeping our school clean and taken care of. I have personally witnessed Mr. Vogel stop, pick up wrappers/trash left on the floor in the hallway, and throw it away on multiple occasions. It would have been really easy to leave it and walk right by or wait until someone else to pick it up, but he did this without hesitation.

David Zorn is the High School Staff Of The Month from CCA High School
Nominated by Assistant Principal Mr. Macumber and Principal Mr. Tom Daniel

It is our honor to nominate Mr. Zorn for School Board recognition as a staff member who goes well above and beyond for both students and staff at Clear Creek Amana high school.  

Just for reference, Mr. Zorn teaches English 9, English 10,  Crime and Literature and Yearbook.  Along with his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Zorn is also head coach for our highly successful and ranked eSports Team.  

Mr. Zorn has been a very good addition to CCA and our students.  Mr. Zorn brings a high level of instruction that raises student opportunities and accomplishments.  Under Mr. Zorn’s leadership, our Yearbook has earned 1st place in Overall Theme category, which in Yearbook terms, is one of the biggest honors. Additional awards have been in design and in photography.

One of the best kept secrets at CCA, is our elite eSports team!  Mr. Zorn was instrumental in bringing this extra curricular activity to CCA.   Not only is our team ranked and highly respected, but they also were State Champions back in 2024!  One of Mr. Zorn’s recent graduates, a State Championship team member, earned a full-ride college scholarship in this rapidly growing sport.

Along with his accomplishments (voted his past semester’s Best teacher, as voted on by the students), Mr. Zorn’s level of compassion and advocacy to students are truly exceptional.  Mr. Zorn is seldom found without students in his room, students checking in, individuals or small groups stopping in to say hello or for getting advice.   

I think I sum it up best by saying, Mr. Zorn just makes students feel comfortable and safe.  

Mr. Zorn, on behalf of the students and staff at Clear Creek Amana HS, thank you for all you do and all you bring to our community.

Reid Kaalberg is the District Staff Of The Month as the District-wide Special Education Coach
Nominated by Principal Ryan Paulson

Reid has been very helpful with our staff and students this year and I know this goes beyond even our building.  He meets ever challenge with a smile and helps staff and students work through challenging situations.  We appreciate the dedication he has shown.

Reid is an example of kindness with students and staff.  Anything we have needed has helped from offering perspectives, to helping with students, to collaborating with lessons and other building needs.  I feel like our entire team has benefited from the time he has devoted to us this year.