Honorable Hornet Recognition

Laurie Smith, Transportation Dept.

Some of our students with special education plans attend the Extended School Year (ESY) program, during which staffing changes can occur on our summer bus routes. On a recent run, when a student was having a particularly difficult day, Laurie Smith stepped in. Relying on her professionalism and caring demeanor, she comforted the child and assisted him with boarding the bus. While such situations can be challenging and stressful, Laurie's compassionate approach provided the student with the stability he needed to reset and continue with his day.

Jenna Allport, District Treasurer

Jenna Allport is an outstanding employee who consistently gives her very best in everything she does. She possesses an impressive knowledge of the intricate details of her work and is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs support. Her amazingly positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm make her a valued and respected member of the team.  Jenna exemplifies hard work, dedication, and commitment to the district. Her warmth, kindness, and willingness to support others help foster a collaborative, trusting, and positive work environment. Even when working with educators who don't always appreciate district purchasing procedures, she is kind, insightful, and helpful.  She leads by example and demonstrates each day what it means to be a truly committed and compassionate colleague.

Bri Clor, Custodial Dept.

Bri Clor consistently goes above and beyond her job responsibilities, making a meaningful, positive impact throughout the entire OACS District. Bri takes great pride in ensuring our school is clean, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. However, what truly sets Bri apart is the care and compassion she shows to everyone she encounters.

Beyond her daily responsibilities, Bri makes a genuine effort to learn each student's name, greet them with a smile, and show an interest in their lives. She makes students feel seen, valued, and cared for, creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. Regardless of a student's age or what they may be going through, Bri takes the time to show kindness and understanding when they need it most.

Bri's dedication extends far beyond what is expected of her. She is always willing to lend a hand, and she often picks up overtime to ensure everything gets done. Her hard work, reliability, and willingness to put others first demonstrate just how much she cares about our school community. Even in the busiest moments, Bri's caring personality and positive attitude shine through.

Bri is much more than an employee; she is a familiar, friendly face who helps make our elementary school feel like a family. The kindness she shares, the relationships she builds, and the extra effort she puts forth every day make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and staff. She exemplifies what it means to be an Honorable Hornet through her compassion, commitment, teamwork, and genuine care for others. Bri may not always realize the impact she has, but the difference she makes does not go unnoticed. She is truly deserving of this recognition for all she does to make OACS a better place for everyone.

Pete Beuler, MHS Teacher

Ask any graduate of Oakfield-Alabama to reflect on their fondest memories as a student, and chances are they will highlight an experience with Mr. Beuler. A truly transformative educator, Pete brings history to life by directly connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences. Rather than simply reading about civic structures, his students are actively immersed in local government meetings and community decision-making, gaining an authentic, firsthand understanding of democracy and public policy in action.

Beyond the classroom, Pete’s dedication extends to athletics as a head coach for cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. While his teams consistently achieve competitive excellence and boast a stellar winning record, his true success lies in the culture he fosters. His program boasts higher student participation than any other sport at Oakfield-Alabama—a testament to his incredible ability to inspire student-athletes, cultivate team spirit, and ensure every student feels valued and connected.

As outstanding as he is in the classroom and on the track, Pete is an even finer person who embodies the absolute best of our OA family. Energetic, compassionate, and unwavering in his support, he bleeds Oakfield-Alabama blue and gold. Whether helping colleagues, advocating for students, or volunteering to announce at our events, there is nothing Pete won't do to support his school and community. His enduring passion leaves a lasting legacy on everyone fortunate enough to work with or learn from him.

Stacey Sanders, Food Service Dept.

We are so excited to nominate Stacey Sanders for the Honorable Hornet Award! Stacey brings so much joy and safety to our elementary cafeteria every day. She constantly goes out of her way to make sure every single student feels welcome and included. Stacey’s dedication extends far beyond the regular school year, as she ensures our OA students continue to receive meals even throughout the summer months. Providing meals is about so much more than food; it is about making sure students feel supported, valued and cared for. Her hard work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact on our students and school community is tremendous. From taking extra-special care of our special education students to keeping a close eye on kids with severe food allergies, Stacey truly shows what the Oakfield-Alabama community is all about.

Ryan Stehlar, Elementary Teacher

I would like to nominate Mr. Stehlar for the Honorable Hornet Award because of the patience, kindness, and compassion he shows his students every single day. As a parent, one of the most important things to me is knowing that my daughter is in a classroom where she feels comfortable, supported, and excited to learn. Mr. Stehlar has created exactly that environment. He is incredibly patient, understanding, and willing to take the extra time needed to help his students succeed. He recognizes that every child learns differently and is flexible in his approach, making sure his students feel heard, respected, and encouraged rather than rushed or overwhelmed. What stands out to me most is the positive impact he has had on my daughter. She genuinely loves going to school and looks forward to being in his classroom. As a parent, that speaks volumes about the kind of teacher and person he is. It takes a special kind of person to make children feel excited about learning while also making them feel valued as individuals. Mr. Stehlar demonstrates the qualities of an Honorable Hornet through his everyday actions, not just his words. I truly appreciate the time, effort, and compassion he puts into his students, and I believe he is more than deserving of this recognition.