USD 353 Recognizes Teachers, Staff at Annual Employee Appreciation Program

Wellington, KS — USD 353 honored numerous teachers and staff last week during its annual end-of-the-year Employee Appreciation Program, recognizing recipients across several award categories.

Superintendent Hatfield welcomed staff before the University of Kansas 25-Year Teaching Certificates and Longevity Awards were presented. WNEA President Deyna Smith then recognized several dedicated WNEA members.

Shawn Worley was named Classified Employee of the Year, and Marcia Burden received the Para Educator of the Year award. Jared Brown and Tanner Meyer, on behalf of the USD 353 School Foundation, presented the Excellence in Teaching Award to Linda Chase, Agriculture Education Teacher at Wellington High School.

The district also named elementary and secondary District Teachers of the Year, who will represent USD 353 as candidates for the State of Kansas Teacher of the Year award. Jennifer Lewellen, a special education teacher at Lincoln Elementary, and Aubrey Roths, eighth grade science teacher at the middle school, received those honors.

Trevor Warnock, a special education teacher at Eisenhower Elementary, received the District Horizon Award, which recognizes a first-year teacher for excellence in the classroom.

The program concluded with the announcement of the 2026-27 Staff T-Shirt Design Contest winner. Brenda Gray, Transitions Coordinator, submitted the winning design. Retiring staff were also honored, and Superintendent Hatfield closed the program by expressing appreciation to the entire staff for their hard work and dedication to USD 353.