FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Maplewood Elementary School Classroom Assistant Tonya Oechsle has been named the 2023 Fort Wayne Community Schools Employee of the Year for her leadership and positive influence at her school.
Oechsle has worked at Maplewood for 18 years and is a proud public school employee.
“The most joy in my job is the kids,” Oechsle said. “Their smiles, hugs and helping them succeed really makes my day.”
FWCS representatives released the following:
Maplewood Principal Alex Trevino called Oechsle “an ambassador for Maplewood and also for FWCS.” She said Oechsle goes beyond her job description and has made a difference in students’ ability to read.
“I love to read to the students, and I love it when they can read to me,” Oechsle said. “I feel proud to work for FWCS and Maplewood Elementary School.”
This is the second year for the Employee of the Year award. It was added to recognize the dedication and contributions made by non-teaching staff throughout the district. Employee of the Year nominations were made by principals and department heads and were reviewed by a committee. Study Elementary Classroom Assistant Elizabeth Elick and Weisser Park Elementary Secretary Tameka McGraw were finalists for the honor.
2023 Employee of the Year, Finalists and Nominees
School
Suzanne Tipton
Adams Elementary
Susan Louden
Arlington Elementary
Sherri Humbert
Bill C. Anthis Center
Melinda Keller
Blackhawk Middle School
Debbie Powers
Glenwood Park Elementary
Leah Sebby
Harris Elementary
Kim James
Harrison Hill Elementary
Sara Mattson
Irwin Elementary
Ty Winn
Lakeside Middle School
Sierra Du Bose
Levan Scott Academy
Tonya Oechsle – 2023 FWCS Employee of the Year
Maplewood Elementary
Neal Davis
Snider High School
Colleen Letner
St. Joseph Central Elementary
Elizabeth Elick – Finalist
Study Elementary
Shannon Quigley
Technology
Joni Koorsen
Waynedale Elementary
Tameka McGraw – Finalist
Weisser Park Elementary
Hope Rhode
Whitney Young Early Childhood Center
