Congratulations to our Teacher and Staff of the Year, Amber Andres and Lacey Groce! MVCSC also extends a big thank you to the MVEF for their incredible efforts in raising significant funds to support Mt. Vernon schools.

 

Each year, the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation (MVEF) and the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) partner to recognize a Teacher of the Year (TOY) and a Staff Member of the Year (SOY) from each building. Staff members nominate up to three colleagues for each award within their respective schools. From these nominations, the top three candidates are selected and evaluated based on teamwork, commitment to learning, innovation, and a strong focus on students. Listed below are the building winners for this year’s TOY and SOY.

Mt. Vernon High School:

• Teacher of the Year: Karen Riesterer
• Staff of the Year: Zach Ratliff

Mt. Vernon Middle School:

• Teacher of the Year: Elissa Page
• Staff of the Year: Krista Turpin

Mt. Vernon Intermediate School:

• Teacher of the Year: Lindsey Knight
• Staff of the Year: Kiley Shaw

McCordsville Elementary School:

• Teacher of the Year: Amber Andres
• Staff of the Year: Kristina Englehart

Mt. Comfort Elementary School:

• Teacher of the Year: Kristin Hahn
• Staff of the Year: Laura Lyons

Fortville Elementary School:

• Teacher of the Year: Courtney Munsell
• Staff of the Year: Natalie Johnson

Administration/Preschool:

• Teacher of the Year: Katie Thompson
• Staff of the Year: Lacey Groce

 

“The Mt. Vernon Education Foundation is proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these inspiring individuals,” Executive Director Renee Oldham shared. “Their dedication and passion for education are a source of pride for our entire community.” 

Help us recognize excellence across our district by joining the MV community and honoring the building TOY and SOY at the annual MVEF Gala on April 11. Each building-level winner will receive two tickets to the gala, a custom-engraved glass sculpture, and a $500 cash award sponsored by the Ryan Fry Excellence in Education Fund.

Established in 2018 by Kevin and Jill Prefontaine in memory of Jill’s brother, Ryan Fry, the fund has since awarded more than $90,000 to educators and staff. In keeping with Jill’s vision, the fund focuses on creating meaningful experiences for recipients and their families.

Additionally, an MVEF committee will select the final district Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year, to be announced at the event. These two honorees will each receive an additional $2,500 cash award from the fund.

Congratulations to all of our 2025-2026 building TOY and SOY winners!