Twenty-three exceptional educators from across Papillion La Vista Community Schools received recognition for their outstanding contributions through the annual Fase Family Fund for Educator Excellence. A special ceremony held today brought together honorees, district leadership, and the generous donors who make this recognition possible.

Bob and Karen Fase, the philanthropic couple behind this initiative, joined PLCS Superintendent Dr. Rikli and Papillion La Vista Community Schools Foundation Executive Director Lee Denker to celebrate these educators who consistently go above and beyond in their service to students and the district.

Each recipient received $100 to use in their classroom, providing additional resources to enhance the learning environment for their students. The honored educators were selected through a nomination process involving school and district staff, ensuring recognition came from those who witness their exceptional work firsthand.

The 2025 Fase Family Fund honorees represent all schools across the district and include both classroom teachers and specialist staff. This year's recipients are: Kaylee Stover (Ashbury Elementary School), Shannon Rasmussen (Anderson Grove Elementary), Emily Davis (Bell Elementary), Kelsey Dayan (Carriage Hill Elementary), Nate Rider (G. Stanley Hall Elementary), Brandi Kosek (Golden Hills Elementary), Ashley Costanza (Hickory Hill Elementary), Karli Samuelson (La Vista West Elementary), Kristin Quinn (Parkview Heights Elementary), Makayla Hasch (Patriot Elementary), Tamy Springer (Portal Elementary), Katie Mott (Prairie Queen Elementary), Jennifer Gilbert (Rumsey Station Elementary), Crystal Haecker (Tara Heights Elementary), Hannah Swanda (Trumble Park Elementary), Jen Carey (Walnut Creek Elementary), Lauren Ballou (Liberty Middle School), Ann Otto (La Vista Middle School), Caitlyn Haines (Papillion Middle School), Katie Wittrig (Papillion La Vista High School), Jim Simpson (Papillion La Vista South High School), Sara Kash-Brown (Rumsey Station Elementary - Ancillary), and Tess Sykes (Zoo Academy).

The Fase Family Fund for Educator Excellence exemplifies how community partnerships strengthen public education. Through their generous support, Bob and Karen Fase acknowledge the critical role that dedicated educators play in shaping the future of the community and provide tangible appreciation for their efforts.

This recognition program aligns with PLCS's commitment to attracting and retaining excellent educators by celebrating their contributions and providing additional support for classroom innovation. The district extends heartfelt appreciation to the Fase family for their continued investment in educational excellence within Papillion La Vista Community Schools.