Celebrating Staff: 2026 PLCS Greatness Awards
The PLCS Greatness Awards are presented annually to staff members in five categories: Secondary Teacher/Specialist, Elementary Teacher/Specialist, Classified Staff Member, Rookie Teacher, and Substitute Teacher. These staff members of the year demonstrate the trademark greatness that characterizes PLCS staff and education!
Winners are listed in the order they appear left to right in the photo above: Joe Pudenz, Jim Simpson, Cassidy Renken, Steffni Kalal, and Kathy Weaver.
Joe Pudenz - Elementary Teacher/Specialist
Rumsey Station, Golden Hills - Physical Education TeacherJoe shows up with energy that's contagious, setting a positive tone before the first bell even rings. Colleagues call him the "backbone of the school." Former students, as graduating seniors, still return on their last day to say their time with him was their favorite elementary memory.
"Joe doesn't just teach; he inspires excellence through his genuine investment in the holistic growth of his students."
Jim Simpson - Secondary Teacher/Specialist
Papillion La Vista South High School - Mathematics TeacherJim has shaped careers as much as he's shaped students, running a classroom built on high expectations, structure, and somehow, dad jokes woven into difficult concepts. Nearly half of the entire math department learned the craft directly from him.
"Jim's influence can be seen not only in the students he has taught, but also in the many teachers he has helped develop."
Cassidy Renken - Rookie Teacher
Parkview Heights - First Grade TeacherIn just two years, Cassidy has built a classroom where students carrying some of the heaviest backgrounds or complex behavioral needs feel safe, seen, and capable. Her systems and routines reflect the practice of a veteran, not someone new to the profession.
"Cassidy's enthusiasm for teaching is contagious, inspiring students to be excited and engaged in their learning."
Steffni Kalal - Classified Staff Member
La Vista Middle School - SecretaryDescribed by colleagues as the "lifeblood of the building," Steffni has quietly touched nearly every project, event, and committee that happens within her school's walls. There's almost nothing she hasn't shaped within her role.
"Steffni is integral to the staff and students' success on any given day. She can make every person she comes into contact with feel like the most important person to her in that moment."
Kathy Weaver - Substitute Teacher
Papillion La Vista Community Schools - SubstituteKathy requires no direction; she simply knows what needs to be done, instructing students, guiding paraprofessionals, mentoring student aides, and giving teachers genuine peace of mind.
"Kathy consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each child experienced not just academic growth, but belonging and joy at school."
- District
- GU202609
- Golden Hills
- LVMS
- PLSHS
- Parkview Heights
- Rumsey Station