Excellence in Public Service Award

Recognizing employees who make our community a better place

The Excellence in Public Service Award Program usually honors up to three public service employees each year whose work performance and community activities transcend the ordinary. Through this program, the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public Schools also acknowledge the contributions of thousands of other dedicated public servants who, day after day, perform the tasks that make our community a great place to live and work.

The award winners are selected from among thousands of eligible workers and have represented all ranks and levels of public service. Each winner demonstrates some combination of the following attributes essential to excellent public service:

• Exemplary performance that has contributed to the public interest,
• Innovative problem-solving skills that have improved service delivery,
• Adherence to high ethical standards in carrying out job responsibilities,
• A record of community involvement through participation in civic organizations

Honorees will be selected by a committee comprised of nine public and private sector representatives.

The program, sponsored by the DeVore Foundation and KSN, is in its 37th year.

Prior Wichita Public Schools recipients have represented all facets of the district.

Year	Wichita Public Schools Honoree
2024	Terri Moses, Division Director, Safety & Environmental Services
2023	Tim Elsen, Science Teacher, Wilbur Middle School
2022	Fabian Armendariz, Division Director of Operations, Wichita Public Schools
2021	Fredrick “Jay” Crayton, II, athletic coordinator, East High School Cheryl Witt, Law and History Department chairperson/teacher, Northeast Magnet
2020	The 2020 award program was cancelled due to the impact of the pandemic.
2019	Carla Breckenridge, Fifth-Grade Teacher, Buckner Performing Arts and Science Magnet
2018	Janet Sutter, Business Technology Teacher, Wichita Alternative High School
2017	Jennifer Venn, Behavior Intervention Para, Gardiner Elementary School
2016	Samanta Souriya, ESOL Teacher, Jardine STEM and Career Exploration Magnet Middle School
2015	Chitra Harris, Science Teacher, South High School
2014	Claire Overstake, Science Teacher, Stucky Middle School
2013	Kimber Kasitz, RN, BSN, School Nurse, Ortiz Elementary School
2012	Cynthia Martinez, McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center
2011	Colleen Fulford, Clinical Behavioral Specialist, West High School
2010	David Dennis Jr., Business Teacher, North High School
2009	Beth McDonald, Science Teacher, Colvin Elementary School
2008	David Dennis, Sr., Data Leader, North High School
2007	Tiffany Nickel, Interrelated Teacher, Jackson Elementary School
2006	Julie Hedrick, Director of Design and Construction
2005	Jim McNiece, Principal, Northeast Magnet High School
2004	Wendy Johnson, Division Director, Marketing and Communications
2003	Alan Schmidt, Science Teacher, Northeast Magnet High School
2002	Connie Quintanilla, Principal, Horace Mann dual Language Magnet
2001	Darron Alford, Head Custodian, WATC Dunbar Campus
2000	Gwendolyn Mukes-Baker, Fine Arts Teacher, Alcott Academy
1999	Jack Hemphill, Special Education Instructor/Coordinator, Riddel Boys Ranch
1998	Martha Bruce Fair, Personnel Specialist, Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center
1997	Atha Briley, Diversity Training Coordinator
1995	Margalee Wright, Supervisor, Development Activities and Grants
1993	Mary Navarro, Counselor, North High School
1992	Jackie Lugrand, Parent Teacher Resources Supervisor, J. Focht Instructional Support Center
1992	Graciela (Grace) Juarez, Paraprofessional
1991	Dr. Benjamin "Benny" A. Mevey, Principal, Colvin Elementary School
1990	Andrea West, Math and English Teacher
1989	Brenda Moore, Principal, Brooks Middle School
1988	Thurman Mitchell, Sr., Field Supervisor of Transportation Services