The Wright City School District announced the winners of the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year. The nominees, who had eagerly awaited the results for nearly a month, were celebrated by their colleagues, students, and family members.

At Wright City High School, Principal Matt Brooks announced Kelsey Kemry as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Kerry, who has been an agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor for two years, expressed her gratitude for being recognized in her home community of Warren County. 

"To sustain the qualities that contributed to winning Teacher of the Year, I plan to maintain a commitment to student success and continue connecting my classroom to the real-world," Kemry said.  “Growing up in Warren County, I feel especially honored to be recognized within my home community.”

Michelle Kunkel, the Attendance Secretary at Wright City High School, was named the 2023-2024 Support Staff of the Year. Kunkel, who is in her second year of employment at the district, was surprised by her three children who joined in the celebration.

"I will keep smiling and supporting staff and students," Kunkel remarked.

At Wright City Middle School, Amber Smith, a 10-year veteran educator and the music director for middle school for the past five years, was honored as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. 

"My goal is that all Fine Arts Students feel welcomed and supported so that it can trickle outside of our classroom to the rest of the school," Smith said. “When I found out I won, I was very surprised. Wright City Middle is full of amazing teachers who deserve this title. This is an honor that I keep dear to my heart”. 

Erica McGowan, a Wright City native and parent serving as the Administrative Assistant at Wright City Middle School, was recognized as the 2023-2024 Support Staff of the Year. McGowan, who has been working for the district since March 2020, shared her love for her colleagues and her commitment to her job.

“It is so nice to be recognized, but I would work just as hard without having won it,” McGowan said. “It's my job, and I wouldn't want to let anyone down. I love the people that I work with.”

At Wright City West Elementary, Special Education teacher Bria Prince, a district alumna, was awarded the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Prince, who has been in education for two years, both at Wright City, humbly recognized her co-workers and expressed her determination to provide her students with a quality education.

“I was nominated alongside other incredible teachers, with more years of experience than I have,” Prince said.  “I did not suspect that I would be awarded Teacher of the Year. Doing the best for our students. They deserve a quality education, and they deserve a teacher who sees their capabilities and motivates them to achieve their goals”. 

Heather Adkins, a Paraprofessional and another Wright City alumna, was named the 2023-2024 Support Staff of the Year at Wright City West Elementary. Adkins, who has spent all three years of her education career at the district, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and her commitment to being there for the students and staff.

Kindergarten teacher Shelby Huntebrinker was recognized as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year at Wright City East Elementary. Huntebrinker, who has spent five years in education at Wright City, was surrounded by her class in a wave of congratulations and appreciation. She pledged to continue her professional development, collaborate with her teammates, and ensure the best for every student.

Anne Juden, Secretary, was named the 2023-2024 Support Staff of the Year at Wright City East Elementary.

At the Wright City Early Childhood Center, Ashley Zuhone, a Special Education teacher, was honored as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Zuhone, who has been in education for five years, with the past year at the Early Childhood Center, expressed her shock and gratitude for the recognition. She pledged to further her education, collaborate with her fellow teachers, and maintain a positive attitude to ensure her students start their school career with a love for learning.

PJ Simpson, a Paraprofessional, was named the 2023-2024 Support Staff of the Year at the Wright City Early Childhood Center.

The Wright City School District congratulates all the winners and nominees for their dedication and commitment to student success.